Revisit Rules for Police and Family Pets!

A wave of senseless dog shootings at the hands of trigger-happy police officers has left families devastated. In the past week alone, officers have shot dogs in at least three separate incidents: in Liberty Hill, TX, an officer shot a German Shepherd named Vinny during a warrant mix-up; in Concord, CA, an officer shot Kirby, an aging cocker spaniel during a neighborhood search; in El Monte, CA, another German Shepherd, Kiki, was shot when police visited her owners to discuss their missing son.

All of these dogs were shot in their owner's own yards, and none of them harmed the officers in any way. None of the owners in these cases were criminials, and none were offered compensation for vet bills. Kiki's owners made the heartbreaking choice to euthanize their pet after learning it would cost $7,000 to treat her gunshot wound.

Most dogs will run up to intruders in their yard in an effort to protect their owners, but few pose any real danger unless provoked. It is cruel and careless to shoot family pets with such reckless abandon, especially if no compensation is offered to help them recover. It also damages the reputation of the police.

When appropriate, officers should call before visiting and advise owners to secure their pets to prevent injury. In a worst-case scenario, officers could use tasers rather than bullets to ward off attack dogs without causing injury. At the very least, officers can apologize for harming pets and offer to help in the recovery process. We respectfully urge you to revisit your rules for dealing with family pets. Thank you for taking the time to read and consider our petition.