Justice for Dakota

Justice for Dakota

Target:
City of Temecula, CA,Det Bob Ebbs, CHIEF OF POLICE ANDRE O'HARRA
Sponsored by: 
*I think it need to be noted that Officer Kuhn had met Dakota two months prior, and had pet and handled her. 

On September 11, 2009 in Temecula, CA, 2 undercover police officers in an unmarked vehicle were driving by a residential home and saw a young 19-year-old male sitting in a front yard, smoking a cigarette.   They made a U-turn to come back to this cul-de-sac after spotting him. They walked up to this male on to the property where he was sitting and began talking to him.  The mother to this young man sees through the front window of their home, and goes out the front door to find out what's going on. Her mother, the young man's grandmother, also walked out the front door, and the family dog, a female registered APBT, UKC champion showdog followed after her.

What happens next is horrifying.

One of these officers (Kuhn) looked up and saw the dog 'Dakota', he gave no warning, pulled out his weapon and fired 5 shots at this dog. The dog was nowhere near either one of these police officers. Witness's attest that she did not come out charging, or growling, or barking in a threatening manner. The other officer with Kuhn did not feel threatened enough to even pull his weapon. 

Many have also offered statements that she has never exhibited any signs of aggression, that she was a well-trained, obedient, and well-socialized dog, that always appeared completely docile and friendly.

This police officer offered no warning, as he stood next to the unarmed 19-year-old, the officer had time to pull out his firearm, aim it at the dog and then proceeded to fire 5 rounds at the defenseless dog. 

Three of the five rounds hit the dog. Even as the dog ran away, he still fired.  The dog struggled, screaming, into the street, trying to get away from the fire, until finally she collapsed to the ground. The police officer then pointed the firearm at the 19-year-old, while he covered his ears in shock and disbelief. The police officer screamed, 'Nobody move', as the woman of the home was crying and attempting her way towards her dog's aide.

This police officer stood there for what seemed an eternity while many cried and watched as the dog, 'Dakota' struggled and labored in mortal agony on the concrete street.

These officers were never called to this home, they had no formal business with a signed warrant on this property, they had no right, no reason, to kill a family's dog.

We have since learned that there was alleged speculation that the police officer, had been bitten before by a dog, and could have suffered what appeared to have been a panic attack.

Should an officer of the law have the privilege and responsibility of a firearm under this kind of stress that obviously has not been dealt with, or managed? I think not.

Even if this information is not corroborated, but merely speculation of him having a panic attack, would it not be a credible speculation, given the impulsive nature and panic of his actions? I think so.

And how is justice for this family and the dead dog, Dakota, to be obtained? What about all of the other innocent defenseless Pit Bull Type of dogs that are shot and killed by these trigger-happy police officers? Did this officer have to shoot 5 rounds? This displays to many that it was done with intent to kill, and this cannot be refuted or denied. 

Five rounds, ladies and gentlemen, I challenge anyone whether it be a man or woman of the law, to try and explain or refute that this was NOT reckless and dangerous use of a firearm, abuse of power, irresponsible handling of the law, meant to protect and uphold its citizens...What happened here in regards to that?
*I think it need to be noted that Officer Kuhn had met Dakota two months prior, and had pet and handled her. 

On September 11, 2009 in Temecula, CA, 2 undercover police officers in an unmarked vehicle were driving by a residential home and saw a young 19-year-old male sitting in a front yard, smoking a cigarette.   They made a U-turn to come back to this cul-de-sac after spotting him. They walked up to this male on to the property where he was sitting and began talking to him.  The mother to this young man sees through the front window of their home, and goes out the front door to find out what's going on. Her mother, the young man's grandmother, also walked out the front door, and the family dog, a female registered APBT, UKC champion showdog followed after her.

What happens next is horrifying.

One of these officers (Kuhn) looked up and saw the dog 'Dakota', he gave no warning, pulled out his weapon and fired 5 shots at this dog. The dog was nowhere near either one of these police officers. Witness's attest that she did not come out charging, or growling, or barking in a threatening manner. The other officer with Kuhn did not feel threatened enough to even pull his weapon. 

Many have also offered statements that she has never exhibited any signs of aggression, that she was a well-trained, obedient, and well-socialized dog, that always appeared completely docile and friendly.

This police officer offered no warning, as he stood next to the unarmed 19-year-old, the officer had time to pull out his firearm, aim it at the dog and then proceeded to fire 5 rounds at the defenseless dog. 

Three of the five rounds hit the dog. Even as the dog ran away, he still fired.  The dog struggled, screaming, into the street, trying to get away from the fire, until finally she collapsed to the ground. The police officer then pointed the firearm at the 19-year-old, while he covered his ears in shock and disbelief. The police officer screamed, 'Nobody move', as the woman of the home was crying and attempting her way towards her dog's aide.

This police officer stood there for what seemed an eternity while many cried and watched as the dog, 'Dakota' struggled and labored in mortal agony on the concrete street.

These officers were never called to this home, they had no formal business with a signed warrant on this property, they had no right, no reason, to kill a family's dog.

We have since learned that there was alleged speculation that the police officer, had been bitten before by a dog, and could have suffered what appeared to have been a panic attack.

Should an officer of the law have the privilege and responsibility of a firearm under this kind of stress that obviously has not been dealt with, or managed? I think not.

Even if this information is not corroborated, but merely speculation of him having a panic attack, would it not be a credible speculation, given the impulsive nature and panic of his actions? I think so.

And how is justice for this family and the dead dog, Dakota, to be obtained? What about all of the other innocent defenseless Pit Bull Type of dogs that are shot and killed by these trigger-happy police officers? Did this officer have to shoot 5 rounds? This displays to many that it was done with intent to kill, and this cannot be refuted or denied. 

Five rounds, ladies and gentlemen, I challenge anyone whether it be a man or woman of the law, to try and explain or refute that this was NOT reckless and dangerous use of a firearm, abuse of power, irresponsible handling of the law, meant to protect and uphold its citizens...What happened here in regards to that?
We the undersigned, would like a full investigation and all possible charges brought against Officer Jon Kuhn, #2909, in the shooting incident of September 11, 2009, when Officer Kuhn shot and killed Dakota, the family pet. 
*We believe that Officer Kuhn was reckless & irresponsible in his handling of the situation. 
*Officer Kuhn had no right to be on the property, no justification, no warrant.  No matter the past history, there must be PROOF of wrongdoing before they can enter the premises.
*We believe that Officer Kuhn had no justification for pulling his service pistol and shooting Dakota.
*We believe that Dakota showed no aggression toward the officers.  If that were the case, then the other officer would have pulled his weapon also, wouldn't he? 
*Officer Kuhn decided to use deadly force even when no danger existed.  *I'll take it a step further.  Say the dog did bark.  After the dog RAN AWAY there was NO DANGER.  Why was there still shooting?
*Officer Kuhn not only killed the dog, but put others in danger as well when he pulled the trigger.  Riccocheting bullets have caused many unintended deaths.
*We believe Officer Kuhn should be put on suspension until this matter is resolved, as this is a shooting by a police officer.  He pointed a loaded service weapon at an unarmed person who was not under arrest and has not been charged with any crime from that day.
*We believe the family deserves answers and justice. 

Thank you for your time in reading this.
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We signed the "Justice for Dakota" petition!
# 2,130:
3:30 pm PST, Feb 8, Erik Mintz, New Jersey
# 2,129:
3:18 pm PST, Feb 8, Samantha Garis, Tennessee
My heart goes out to your family and I pray one day you can move on from this loss. While there was no reason for him to shoot 5 rounds into the dog, I do think this is a prime example of both the public and law enforcement needing more education on dogs period. I am the owner of 5 American Bulldogs, While they are not Pit Bulls they are also often misunderstood. Also, the area that you are living in they may not encounter folks that have these types of dogs for legitmate reasons. Think of the drug dealer who lets his pit bull out the front door to chase the cops down. While I do not agree at all with the City, the COP or what happened, I can also understand this is not only the officers fault but people as a whole. I hope that you can use your experience and bring Justice for Dakota in a positive light. Help educate law enforcement and others in responsible pit bull owner ship. My dogs never leave my yard without a leash and respond to command enough to return to my home in the event someone is in my yard. However, if I feel the need they will also respond to command to protect their yard. I can't picture that a cop willingly shot at this dog for no reason if it was just patiently sitting next to it's Masters side and if he did in fact than the bastard should fry. However, if this dog was charging this cop I can see him shooting a shot in the air to scare her and that's it. Again, based on the area you live in I can imagine that these cops deal with people who are not responsible owners as yourself and sadly it has tainted them. I hope you do get justice as what he did was clearly overkill and in the future hope you heal enough to welcome another furkid into your heart and home. And also remember...when in doubt use a leash. If you need to, you can always let go of that leash!
# 2,128:
12:29 pm PST, Feb 8, Jennifer Cartier, Florida
# 2,127:
3:34 am PST, Feb 8, Sharon E., Canada
I was the proud owner of a Pitbull mix called Lexus that sadly passed away on November 1st 2009 from kidney failure at 11.5 years old. I live in Toronto, I've lived in the same area for 13 years, Lexus was an amazing dog, she went EVERYWHERE with us and everyone knew her, no one asked if she was Pitbull or even cared, they just saw just a GREAT dog. I know they saw a great dog because when she got Cancer and I had a fundraiser to help with her medical costs, I raised a large amount of money from the neighborhood & local businesses. I could say Lexus behavior was an exception to her breed BUT that is not the case, there are hundreds and thousands of GOOD, loving Pitbulls. This sweet dog Dakota did NOTHING wrong to be made to suffer like she did, make no misunderstanding this IS ANIMAL ABUSE, murdering an animal, IS A CRIME Dakota SCREAMED when she was shot, her tooth was blown out of her mouth, the sound of a dog screaming is a heartbreaking sound that I hope no animal lover ever has to hear. Poor Dakota was then shot again FLEEING scared and injured -What kind of person shots a wounded fleeing animal ? There needs to justice and SOON Dakotas story will not be forgotten
# 2,126:
4:56 pm PST, Feb 7, Arnold Shecter, California
# 2,125:
4:55 pm PST, Feb 7, Anita Kuhn Shecter, California
# 2,124:
4:11 pm PST, Feb 7, Amber Kruise, Florida
# 2,123:
3:12 pm PST, Feb 7, Britni Westpy, New Jersey
There are no reasonings or words that can express enough how morally cruel and unforgiving this murderer's act is- to kill any persons' pet is obviously wrong but most importantly a crime has been committed, therefore the appropriate punishment should be assigned to the maximum extent. I am signing this petition, twenty-two year old female, because I know what it is like to endure the loss of a pet to a murderer. Sadly, there is no justice for my dog right now or it may never happen, however I hope that there will be justice for Dakota. I am saddened rather sickened that a police officer or any other human being who kills and abuses animals. My dog Gem was poisoned by several neighbors, before Christmas of 2009, and I had lost a member of my family. I have just recently graduated community college with a degree in criminal justice, and I am going to continue my education in a four year college with the intent to pursue law and become a lawyer someday. In addition, because of disgraceful and evils acts, for instance the case of Dakota, as well as the loss of my pet that I promise to make this world a better place-to fight for those who have no voice or those less powerless, and to put criminals like this murderer and other vagrants in jail. I know there is never enough justice in this world, innocent people suffer, and life is not fair-but it doesn't mean that the family of Dakota should stop trying or anyone else should be steered away from doing the right thing, in this case put this murderer in jail and make him suffer the consequences for killing someone's pet.
# 2,122:
2:03 pm PST, Feb 7, Shaun McManus, Florida
# 2,121:
1:00 pm PST, Feb 7, Colleen Embersics, Texas
# 2,120:
12:36 pm PST, Feb 7, Name not displayed, Florida
I am a proud owner of a 5yr old Choc pit bull named Autumn Rose,Im also a Mother of a 11 yr old beautiful little girl ... she is such a huge part of our family and hasnt a mean bone in her body.Shes a loving full of energy goof ball that is scared of her own shadow, will she run out at you full of life and lick you to death as she wags her tail so hard shes nearly side ways? Can she be intimidating because of her breed and miss judged?Yes!! We are taught to not judge a book by its cover..well it goes as well for our animal friends.Do I believe approach any dog with caution? Yes a mini yorkie will bite if provoked or miss treated!!!!!! I would be devasted if this happened to my girl!!
# 2,119:
12:04 pm PST, Feb 7, Mary Warner, New York
# 2,118:
6:36 pm PST, Feb 6, Krystal Shrader, West Virginia
# 2,117:
8:07 pm PST, Feb 5, MaryAnne Premeaux, Arizona
The policeman very obviously over reacted. If he responds this quickly to ANY living creature he is a danger. The very fact that they were suspicious of a 'teenager' sitting in his own front yard speaks volumes. This is a classic case of 'profiling'. TWICE. Profiling 'teenagers' and profiling pitbulls! I believe in the creed 'punish the deed, not the breed'.
# 2,116:
6:07 pm PST, Feb 5, A Austin, Ohio
This officer should not only lose his badge but should never be able to own a firearm.
# 2,115:
5:11 pm PST, Feb 5, Mackenzie Vogt, Wisconsin
# 2,114:
5:05 pm PST, Feb 5, Christina Childs, Australia
Disgusting act of cruelty, lock him up and through the key away.
# 2,113:
11:42 am PST, Feb 5, Jennifer Cox, Florida
# 2,112:
10:36 am PST, Feb 5, Elisa Jones, Canada
# 2,111:
8:23 am PST, Feb 5, Ginger OConnell, Michigan
# 2,110:
1:53 am PST, Feb 5, Karen Cicinelli, Australia
there is no reason for this person to be armed and supposedly serving the people of this city. This person is unbalanced and needs therapy.
# 2,109:
5:46 pm PST, Feb 4, Ronnie Steinaau, California
# 2,108:
11:23 am PST, Feb 4, Rachel Dengate, Pennsylvania
That police officer had no right! The dog was not threatening at the time!
# 2,107:
6:44 pm PST, Feb 3, Karin Lemon, Massachusetts
# 2,106:
6:34 pm PST, Feb 3, Robin Hamilton, California
The officers may have had reason to speak with the man on the porch but that did not give Officer Kuhn the right to shoot a dog who was not threatening anyone. If Officer Kuhn was afraid of the dog he should have asked the owners to put Dakota back in the house. Even if the man on the porch was number 1 on the FBI's Most Wanted List that does not mean that the dog is a villain. There is no excuse for shooting an innocent dog! Continuing to shoot as Dakota runs away trying to escape is absolutely sick! Clearly this is an officer who should not have a gun.
# 2,105:
6:26 pm PST, Feb 3, Cari Larson, Wisconsin
I am horrified that thiss SOB is a police officer. I can't believe that anyone in authority over him would let him still be working. I pray that Dakota and her family get justice, and that the worst possible will be brought on the cop-karma is a bitch!!
# 2,104:
5:45 pm PST, Feb 3, Donna Clemow, Massachusetts
PLEASE GIVE JUSTICEFORDAKOTA, An innocent animal
# 2,103:
5:08 pm PST, Feb 3, Carmen Proctor, Colorado
Some cops are power hungry & think they can get away with these kinds of crimes!! Their badges & guns should be taken away from them, as they obviously have no control & no business being a cop in the 1st place!!
# 2,102:
4:36 pm PST, Feb 3, David Haley, New York
take his badge and gun away NOW
# 2,101:
3:13 pm PST, Feb 3, Randi Silvagni, New Jersey
an innocent, voiceless dog killed by a trained officer. we cannot allow cruelty like this to continue. n canot let so called officers of the law especially. he should be punished!
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