The article does not state exactly what the dog was doing or where. Nor does it state what the local laws are concerning how dogs must be confined. I expressed no opinion as to whether the officer's actions were legal or reasonable. I did not say that someone "has to" confine their dog. I just think it is stupid not to. You have police responding to a report of a violent crime. They are going to be concerned for their own safety and acutely aware of potential threats. Why wouldn't you take your dog inside while you talk to the police?
You are right you did not say some one has to confine their dog. But you did say “ read the article and wondered myself why the dog wasn’t confined somewhere away from the arriving officers.”
You implied that teh dog need to be confined. As I said why should it be. If the police are professional and the animal is controlled then no confinement is required. To qoute the O the police acted stupidly.
Your commment “You have police responding to a report of a violent crime. They are going to be concerned for their own safety and acutely aware of potential threats.” If I am the one who calls them then I should not have to be fearfull of them, they should be coming to my aid. If they are not then they are not the public servents that they should be.
In answer to your question “Why wouldn’t you take your dog inside while you talk to police?”, because I do not have to do so on my property. I am not a subject that has to be diffenrential to them.