The killing by police of family pet Patton has sparked an international furor

The Commercial Appeal ^ | January 15, 2003 | Richard Locker

[lentulusgracchus]

After watching the video, I am convinced that the cop who shot the dog totally overreacted. The dog was wagging its tail and was excited to get out of the car.

I saw it, too -- and I checked the Memphis newspaper story with its photo to make sure it was the same dog I saw in the video.

Not exactly one of your high-strung, crusher breeds.

The dog wasn't aggressive, as you say -- his gait said "play" and "pee stop -- time for fun!" But the officer drew down on him with his shotgun immediately and fired without hesitation. He clearly teed off on the dog. I think it's worth his badge -- unless someone articulates that it's standard police procedure that:

All traffic stops are required to go tactical.

In all tactical situations, all dogs must die instantly.

Somehow, I don't think we're there, doctrinally.

[dtel]

I hope that what happened to this dog doesn't obscure the fact that a typical family was taken from their car at gun point, forced on their knees and cuffed and covered with a shotgun. I don't believe the saftey of the shotgun was on because I've watched the video and I don't see the officer release the saftey before shooting the dog. This was done despite the fact that no crime had occured. And even if a crime had occured there was NO probable cause to suggest that the occupants of this particular car had committed it. For me, this is every bit as scary, if not more scary, as what happened to this dog.

Hear ye, hear ye.
This fact is getting totally obscurred.

[Redbob]

"I'm suggesting that the world gain a little perspective here. Focus on the dog if you want."

We're not all dog-lovers here, and we're hardly focused on the dog:
rather, we're focused on the sort of armed psycho-cop who killed Patton and apparently two (or more?) other dogs "in the line of duty".

Or didn't you read the whole sickening original story?

[Bella_Bru]

While I feel bad about this apparently harmless,lovable dog being killed by an apparently thuggish State Trooper,I wish that more people were alarmed at the continuing MURDER of THE UNBORN!!When are we going to get our PRIORITIES STRAIGHT?

Is it at all possible for you not to be a single issue screecher?

[dtel]

Get back, get back,
BOOM.
What a sick motherf*cker.

[elbucko]

When are we going to get our PRIORITIES STRAIGHT?

I do believe "STRAIGHT PRIORITIES" are on another thread.

[Bella_Bru]

Maybe because people are tiring of the story. It's just a freakin' dog.

Have you been following at all?

This story was about a trigger happy thug who wears a badge.

[lentulusgracchus]

I hope that what happened to this dog doesn't obscure the fact that a typical family was taken from their car at gun point, forced on their knees and cuffed and covered with a shotgun. I don't believe the saftey of the shotgun was on because I've watched the video and I don't see the officer release the saftey before shooting the dog.

Excellent point.

At what point did we all sign off on the principle that officers of the law should initiate all public contacts in full tactical mode, with cocked-and-unlocked pieces, screaming and yelling ("GET DOWN ON YOUR FACES"), and generally complete contempt for citizens of the United States?

Did the Due Process Clause say something about dragging people on their bellies unless they look like they can afford Plato Cacheris, "Uncle Bob" Bennett, and F. Lee Bailey?

Or are we just supposed sportingly to spot them that one, under the rubric, "you can't beat the ride"?

[Redbob]

"... but THIS MANY posts about a DOG when people are unjustly killed every day. Give me a break."

And yet you read them.

Grant thyself a break: do it with that mouse thingy in your right hand.

[mel]

You people who post a reply on how sick and tired of something that you are reading really make me laugh. I don't think it is forced reading. It reminds me of Rush Limbaugh told callers who said they never listen to him and don't like him and then start quoting things he said weeks and months ago. He got a laugh out of that also

[dtel]

At what point did we all sign off on the principle that officers of the law should initiate all public contacts in full tactical mode, with cocked-and-unlocked pieces, screaming and yelling ("GET DOWN ON YOUR FACES"), and generally complete contempt for citizens of the United States?

Did the Due Process Clause say something about dragging people on their bellies unless they look like they can afford Plato Cacheris, "Uncle Bob" Bennett, and F. Lee Bailey?

Or are we just supposed sportingly to spot them that one, under the rubric, "you can't beat the ride"?

Excellent post yourself.
Having given this a bit of thought, it was during the mid to late 80's when the SWAT approach began taking hold. It was perfected to an art form during the 90's, see Texas, Waco.
Where it ends, we all know. Nobody wants to give it too much thought though, because it will make your stomach hurt something awful.

[TankerKC]

The third dog shooting for the same cop? Is this true, or just rumor?

[Tennessee_Bob]

People like you...
"...by acting the way you do."

Cause? What cause? Tell me something - how much have you posted Nathaniel Upshaw?

Don't know who he is?

[Tennessee_Bob]

Hello, North Texas - I was born just north of Dallas. Right now, I live about an hour and a half away from Cookeville. Used to live there, as a matter of fact, and have a strong distaste for their police force, having encountered them as a college student.

However, I think it's pretty funny that a democratic state senator has taken it upon himself to assemble a fact-finding committee to look at a dog's death - while ignoring the death of a five year old child in Chattanooga.

So tell me - does the article mention the fact that the second dog he killed was on orders from his supervisor? Or that the first one killed was in the process of attacking someone?

[Tennessee_Bob]

Sorry, should have said "How much have you posted about Nathaniel Upshaw?"

[Tennessee_Bob]

The family is taking contributions to pay their legal costs for a suit they're planning on placing - I'd think the lawyers would be lined up to help. Then again, think of just how much they can get by asking for contributions. They've already gotten a free purebred puppy out of the deal.

[dtel]

While the killing of the dog was bad, the magnitude of the officers ineptness is the issue here.
What right did they have to treat these effing tourists like Arab terrorists.
They didn't even issue a speeding ticket.
If you are cool with this thing, I am glad you are in Tenn. and I am in Texas.

Keep your eye on the ball.

[mel]

Too bad TN can't just clone the dog for them (kidding)

[Fiddlstix]

Cute picture of this vicious, man-killing dog there also.

Yes! Vicious indeed
Just see that "Killer Look" in those eyes

[mel]

They will probably end up with enough to pay for that kid's college education and more, but after the trauma they went thru I would say they deserve it. IMHO. But, a purebreed wouldn't be as cute as that little dog, those ears are so cute oh well enough about the dog today. thanks