“10 months is a “puppy” Really?”
Yes & no. Large breeds are typically not mature until they reach age 2. That said a 10 month old Lab, or a Pit Bull of the same age, is a pretty big animal, easily mistaken for an adult.
I don’t really know what a homeowner is expected to do these days. You put up a fence to keep your dog safe, and your neighbors safe from your dog. Somebody trespasses in your yard, the dog bites them and you are at fault?
That somebody is a police officer on official business has a right to be there, for sure. But if he gets bit? Well, that’s taking one for the team as far as I’m concerned. Occupational hazard.
Totally agree. Being a cop has risks just like being a deep see fisherman or oil roughneck and if they don't like that they can quit. The way I see it a citizen's rights, including property rights, are more important than a cop's safety.
Dog lover here chiming in. We don't have the full details here, but I suspect the cop only had a second or two to react to a possible vicious breed. At least the city should do is erase any police record, and buy them a new dog and pay them 5 grand for their trouble..