On Sat, 19 Feb 2005 08:28:37 -0500, Edward wrote:

Police Officer Cleared In Dog Shooting
Joel Saccoccio Shot, Killed Dog Last March

POSTED: 5:43 pm EST February 18, 2005
UPDATED: 7:56 pm EST February 18, 2005...

Police officers were in the Russell's home looking for John Russell’s
brother. According to Saccoccio, the dog came at him in a menacing
manner and he shot the dog twice.

The Russell's claim that the dog wasn't doing anything and that the
shooting was totally unjustified...

Well, what's your point? Should we hate all dog-killing cops? Should we
be paranoid that cops will kill our dogs, whenever the opportunity
arises?

"Are my dogs safe?" That's the last question I ask myself, before I open
my door. Regardless of the breed, size, demeanor, et cetera, I always
strive to protect my dogs from humans: never visa versa.

Do I believe a lot of dogs are unjustly killed by police officers? Yes,
I absolutely do! I can also see things from the officer's point of view.
I don't want to have to watch Johnny's family and/or friends, two or
three doorways, and a dog that might be able to harm me or cause me to
fail to apprehend a subject who is/or might be a threat to the public.
What I consider "menacing" behavior is far beyond what it would be for a
lot of/most people. As a dog lover, I'd probably take more risks than I
should.

I hate this sort of pet death, but short of high-definition, color
video, from multiple angles, and Dolby 6.X sound, I don't see a civilian
winning a wrongful death action against a police officer.

So, what's a person to do? For me, whatever it takes.





When I die, I want to go where dogs go!