The Issue Concerning the Shooting of Dogs - Essay Example

Task Police Kill Dog Introduction The matter about the police killing dogs is one that has stirred a lot of anger among US citizens. This is because the owners of the killed dogs place a lot of treasure to these animals as keep them for various reasons. Some owners have demonstrated to have suffered psychologically from the killing of their dogs because most of them are not just companions but also part of their lives. However, the issue concerning the shooting of dogs is not just any other killing, whether the dog belongs to a citizen or the police, but rather it is a subject that is intricate in nature because owing to the various reasons behind the occurrence of such events. In addition, there are also various consequences as well issues that accompany the killings. Finally, there are various steps that may be taken to remedy the situation which may be at times encumbered by various complications. Police presence is inevitable in our lives because of increased crimes and thus lack of training on how they should handle pets is quite a concern. It is vital to acknowledge that the police are at the epitome of peace keeping hence we cannot survive without their presence. As Aveni articulates, “the wars on drugs, war on terrorism have stepped up their presence in our lives as well… and then the police officers end up encountering family pets (Webner & Sostek).” However, as regards to exercise of their duty, the killing of dogs has made them very unpopular with the citizens. This raises the query of just how trained are these officers with regards to what they should do as well as what they should not in the exercise of their duty. Most police officers do not have sufficient training on how to handle pets. This is the major reason granted as to why there has been recurrent pet killings emanating from the police. As Thomas Aveni puts it “Most police departments dont train officers to deal with pet dogs” it is clear that this really counts with relation to the killings (Webner & Sostek). In fact, it is quite clear that in most police departments, the issue of training the police so as to be able to handle dogs is rarely talked about (Webner & Sostek). Moreover, most of the police departments always offer training on ways one may apply force when dealing with people but majorly fail to offer any training when it comes to handling pets. It is for this reason that most of these officers do not know how to handle aggressive dogs that try distracting them when in duty and thus end up killing them (Somin). On the contrary, officers who have acquired training have the right skills to encounter dogs that tend to pose as a threat and thus rarely end up killing them. It is not all shootings that reflect foul, there are various reasons why a police would shoot a dog. This is to mean that as much as dog killing has been on the rise, there are various things that come into play. As Mr. Reasonover put it “there may well be instances where they have to shoot the dog “. For instance, the shooting of a pet may be done when that pet poses substantial threat to the police. According to Animal Legal Defense, the threat may be actual or even perceived. Perceived threat is whereby the pet tries to inflict harm on the officers and may be evaded by making sure that one keeps the pet enclosed since roaming dogs may crush with police carrying out patrols. Actual threat happens because some dogs are majorly trained to be weapons and thus are always ready to attack (“Animal Legal Defense”). Another reason that may provoke the shootings is when the dog is unleashed, and thus it is only recommended that owners safely put their dogs away from causing harms. Other reasons as to why shootings are rising because the police head to wrong addresses where they are not directed (Animal Legal Defense). Moreover, the police may shoot pets when they regard it as a dangerous breed, for instance Pit bulls or even Rottweiller. This is in accordance with Mr. Reasonover words that, “Concerns about dog deaths and a lack of training dont mean there arent dangerous dogs sometimes deployed against police (Webner & Sostek).” Additional reasons for the shootings are miscommunication between the police and the people raising alarm as well as ill planning by the police as to how the searches are to be carried on and the measures to take in case of aggressive dogs (Animal Legal Defense). However, claims of threats from pets prompting the shooting are not fully justified since dangerous dogs are rare to come by. The issue of shooting dogs thus remains as one that raises rather logical queries among citizens. In fact, it is shown that even in instances where police get attacked by the dogs, the injuries inflicted are usually so minor to the extent that they do not even call for any medical aid. According to Somin, “If dangerous dogs are so common, one would expect to find frequent reports of vicious attacks on meter readers, postal workers, firemen, and delivery workers.” This is very unfortunate since many dogs continue to die each passing day following police shootings. Therefore, imparting the best skills to among the police should be encouraged because as much as the police try to justify their actions, this continues to raise suspicion amongst citizens since so many people encounter these dogs but they have not complained of being attacked nor getting injured by the dogs. Proper methods and tools need to be adopted when dealing with pets as a means of the averting the ending dogs killing. As Aveni argues, “Before resorting to a handgun, police officers should consider blasting dogs with pepper spray, waving a baton at them, hitting them with a baton, or throwing obstacles in their way (Webner & Sostek).” These entail some of ways in which police need to handle dogs that tend to come their way. In fact, if one gives the dog a whack; it will in most instances keep its distance and thus will not attack the officer. In a bid to control the shootings, various states have devised mechanisms that will aid the police in handling violent dogs. For instance, Maryland has innovated catch poles for all police vehicles that are utilized in leashing dogs. In addition, other moves taken to tame the situation include the institution of new laws for instance, The Dog Patriot Act in Colorado that requires the police to be accorded proper training on how to handle dogs while exercising their obligations (Hinkle). All these measures should be effectively observed to ensure that there are minimal if no dog killings by the police. As Hinkle points out, “Cops aren’t bad people. Most of them love animals as much as the next guy pets (Hinkle).” The concerned departments should thus avail the police with the required tools to ensure that they dispense their tasks appropriately. However, the reforms are not expected to take root overnight and thus there will have to be patience among the citizens and this may mean that more dogs may have to die first (Hinkle). If one wishes to institute a law suit, there are various steps and issues that one needs to offer consideration when their dog gets killed or even injured. Law suits are among the consequences that arise out of dog shooting. When one’s pet becomes injured there are various procedures that come into play. According to Animal Legal Defense Fund, “constitutional issues may arise regarding a deprivation of rights claim” when a case of shooting gets to a Federal court (“Animal Legal Defense Fund”). This is because a dog is termed by many citizens as property and thus killing it amounts to deprivation of one’s inalienable right. It is also wise to note that there are situations where the police may be privileged and thus have immunity with regards to certain killings. Therefore, one of the steps that one may take is that of seeking the advice of a lawyer (“Animal Legal Defense Fund”). It is also crucial for any person to acquire evidence with regards to the shooting. This may include photos of the shot animal, the scene, as well as taking of witnesses’ particulars as well as any statements regarding to the incidence. In addition, it is necessary that proper investigations get conducted. The other very fundamental consideration is that one should closely consult the available law to ascertain that their lawsuit is proper or it will be dismissed for being baseless. For instance, the Fourth Amendment is very crucial when addressing the issue of rights in the USA. One of the offences created with regards to the fourth Amendment is that of seizing one’s individual property (“Animal Legal Defense Fund”). Finally, it is also crucial that one determines the liabilities of the alleged killer since this will definitely count when it comes to quantifying damages. In addition, determination of liability is vital since some agencies cannot get sued when they commit certain crimes. In solving the shooting menace, it is crucial to note that protection of pets begins with the owner. Accordingly, the owner should always ensure that they take appropriate protection for their animals so as to ensure that their dogs limitedly cause any intrusions. One of the measures that one takes is that of crating their pet when they raise an alarm or when the police visit the neighboring homes (“Animal Legal Defense Fund”). This will definitely help in ensuring that the dogs are well enclosed and that they cannot get into contact with the police. Besides, the owner should also ensure that they mend any openings in their fences and enclose their gates to ensure that their pets do not flee home. Moreover, the other thing is that the owner should also ensure that they do not abandon their dogs to roam. All these steps will culminate to reduced cases shooting of dogs from the police. In conclusion, from the above, it is clear that dogs’ shooting by the police is a very intricate matter that is deeper from just its mention. Police may be compelled by various reasons that may make them end up shooting a pet. Police shooting continues to raise various questions since the pets come into contact with so many people, especially pizza, mail deliverers among others who have never raised alarm about dogs being such a threat. However, research unveils that police officers are under-trained when it comes to handling pets and thus they should be imparted the rightful skills to help them in dispensing their work. In addition, it is very necessary that the police have the right methods and skills that are required in handling animals to ensure minimal killings getting experienced. However, in case one’s dog gets killed or even injured, it is crucial for the owner to be aware of the matters that may be of great consideration, such as considering the liabilities of the accused persons. In addition, one may need to look up at the law in place to ensure that their law suit is proper according to the law as well as to ascertain their rights. Finally, it is also clear to note that the protection of dogs from such killings in a great sense begins with the owner. This is because the owner has the duty to crate their pet as well as ensure that their fences as are well mend to ensure that the pets do not escape. Works Cited “Dogs Shot by Cops: Companion Animals and Law Enforcement.” Animal Legal Defense Fund. n.d. Web 14 May 2015. Hinkle, Barton A. Its Time for Cops to Stop Shooting Dogs. 2014. Web. 14 May 2015. Somin, Ilya. Police Should Stop Shooting So Many Dogs. 2013. Web. 14 May 2015. Webner, Richard & Sostek, Anya. Killing of dogs by police becoming an issue. 2014. Web 14 May 2015. Read More