I could speak on this particular subject until my fingers quit working. It’s a horrendous example of lack of training for law enforcement in canine behavior.
Why are we surprised when lethal force is always the “go to” option in handling domestic situations where a family dog is involved. Law enforcement shoot women in their own apartments when called for a possible intruder!!
Police are trained to protect themselves at ALL COSTS!! If they perceive a threat to their lives, whether it’s a dog trying to protect his family or a 35 yo woman who accidentally dropped a tea kettle in her kitchen, they will always use lethal force.
Thank you, Elizabeth, for sharing your thoughts. I completely understand your frustration and concern about the lack of training in canine behavior for law enforcement. It's crucial that we address these gaps to prevent unnecessary use of lethal force, especially in situations involving family pets. Your passion for this subject is evident, and it's voices like yours that can help drive meaningful change. Let's continue to advocate for better training and policies to ensure safer interactions between police and our communities.
Complicated issue Ed. I agree with your solutions. The problem with dog ownership is that—like parenting—there’s no qualifications or even intelligence required. There are so many shitty dog parents who have no clue about their own do/ behaviors or reactions. Uniforms? Men with hats? Something in their hands? My dogs react to all—but they are always safely behind a closed fence and/or leashed and/or inside if workmen or anyone else is coming.
Police Officers—whom I respect as having perhaps the toughest job in America—need more training and less lethal force to be sure. Postmen have been using pepper spray for decades—why can’t cops too?
Thank you, Dee, for sharing your thoughts on this complex issue. I completely agree that both responsible dog ownership and comprehensive training for law enforcement are crucial. It's true that dogs can react to uniforms, hats, or objects in people's hands, which is why it's important for owners to ensure their pets are safely secured. At the same time, police officers, who do have one of the toughest jobs, could benefit from more training in non-lethal methods, like the use of pepper spray, which has been effectively used by postal workers for years. Your insights highlight the need for balanced solutions that protect both officers and our beloved pets. Let's keep advocating for these important changes!
This is a complicated issue for the dog too, a stranger is coming onto your territory and you bark to signal to your "pack" (owners) that it's happening. Your next move might be to defend the territory or your "pack", which was what might have happened. The cop sees a barking dog running towards him, and shoots to protect himself. It's really stupid, but maybe he panicked, maybe has a fear of dogs, who knows.
Similar things happen when cops are called for autistic people in crisis. It often ends up in either the autistic person gets shot and killed, or the autistic person gets traumatized by being held in a hold or roughed up while being arrested.
Training and empathy can go a long way in both cases.
Dog owners also have an onus to control their dogs. When I volunteered with the rabbit rescue, we used to go to these big pet shows. People were allowed to bring their dogs if they were leashed and behaved. We always had bunnies with us, that were in the foster system, as the "stars" of the show. We had many people come by with their dogs who INSISTED that their dogs were "friendly with other animals because they had cats" and "is a big softie" or "just curious". Rabbits are prey animals, and being investigated and chased by a predator is not good for them. We were lucky we didn't have any that tried to attack the dogs, or dogs attacking rabbits. All of the rabbits made sounds of defense though and tried to hide from the dog. We specifically had signs around our booth too, not to bring dogs close to the rabbits.
I also experience this problem when I go walking in the ravine, some people can't control their dogs. I don't care how much your dog "loves people" and "is friendly", it can turn negative very quickly, because the dogs are not humans and will behave as animals do.
Squizz, you raise important points about the natural instincts of dogs to protect their territory and family, which can lead to misunderstandings in high-pressure situations. It's true that both dog owners and law enforcement officers have responsibilities in these encounters. Owners need to ensure their pets are controlled, while officers can benefit from training that emphasizes empathy and non-lethal approaches. Your experiences with the rabbit rescue highlight the importance of understanding animal behavior to prevent unnecessary conflicts. By working together and fostering better understanding, we can create safer environments for both people and animals.
Three big dogs coming towards me and my foster dog Chip is what resulted in a broken leg for me😩 Chip ( an 85 pound mix) was protecting his pack - me- and I didn’t let go of his leash🤦🏻♀️ my beautiful failed foster has since passed away😿 The amazing thing he got along fine with my herd of cats♥️
Sharon, it sounds like Chip was a wonderful and protective companion, and I'm sorry to hear about your injury and his passing. The fact he got along with your cats shows that he was truly a gentle guy at heart. Your experience highlights the natural instincts dogs have to protect their loved ones, and it's a reminder of the importance of understanding and managing these behaviors. I hope you're healing well and cherishing the memories of your time with Chip.
The thing is that animals and people in crisis have been around for longer than there's been a police force. Shoot first and ask questions later should not be the primary training you follow.
ANIMALS 24-7 in 2017 reviewed 982 police shootings of dogs occurring since 2005, finding that police were hesitating now more than ever before pulling the trigger when dogs charge––and still shooting more dogs, because there were far more aggressive dogs at large.
The biggest difference in police response between 2005 and 2017 was that far more police and civilians were injured before the first shots were fired. In consequence, civilians were three times more likely than a decade earlier to be injured by dogs before police shoot the dogs, and police themselves were more than twice as likely to be hurt before they shoot.
Counting injuries to police canine officers, police casualties from dog attacks were up twelvefold in 10 years. In 2015-2016 and the first five months of 2017, ANIMALS 24-7 logged 377 cases of police shooting dogs: 13 per month. Civilians had already been injured by the dogs in 129 cases: about one in three, triple the rate of injury from before police opened fire in 2005-2006.
Police or animal control officers were injured before the dogs were shot in 64 cases: one in six, twice the rate of injury from before police opened fire in 2005-2006.
Only one statistic pertaining to police shooting dogs had not markedly changed since 2005-2006: of 281 dogs shot by police in 2005-2006, 216 were pit bulls: 87%.
Of 175 dogs shot by police in 2013, at the time a record number, 152 were pit bulls: 87%.
Of 149 dogs shot by police in 2014, 119 were pit bulls: 80%.
Of the 377 dogs shot by police in 2015-2016 and the first five months of 2017, 325 were pit bulls: 86%.
Altogether, 812 of the 982 dogs shot by police in cases of which ANIMALS 24-7 has documentation were pit bulls: 83%.
Consistent with those numbers, of the 13 police canine officers injured by dogs whom police subsequently shot, 11 were pit bulls: 85%.
ANIMALS 24-7 also examined the oft-amplified allegation typically attributed to the U.S. Department of Justice that police are shooting as many as 10,000 dogs per year.
This claim appears to trace back to a guesstimate that police may shoot as many as 25 dogs a day, included in both a 2010 publication by the American SPCA and a 2011 paper funded by the pro-pit bull National Canine Research Council, a wholly owned subsidiary of the pit bull advocacy front Animal Farm Foundation.
The actual total, however, appears to be less than a third as high.
Data from New York City, Los Angeles, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where court cases have repeatedly resulted from police shooting dogs, showed that among these cities, with a combined human population of 13.1 million, the highest total number of dog shootings in any given year since 2000 was 115.
If police throughout the U.S. shot dogs at the same cumulative rate, the annual toll would be about 2,800, of which ANIMALS 24-7 would receive documentation of about 5%-10% in any given year.
Merritt, thank you for providing such detailed insights from ANIMALS 24-7. Your analysis of police-related dog shootings, particularly the disproportionate number of incidents involving pit bulls, is eye opening. It's important to understand these dynamics as we advocate for improved training for law enforcement. Your findings underscore the complexity of the issue and the need for data-driven approaches to enhance both officer and public safety. I appreciate the depth of your research and will consider these important points as part of our ongoing discussions on effective and humane law enforcement practices. Thank you for your dedication to shedding light on these critical issues.
I could speak on this particular subject until my fingers quit working. It’s a horrendous example of lack of training for law enforcement in canine behavior.
Why are we surprised when lethal force is always the “go to” option in handling domestic situations where a family dog is involved. Law enforcement shoot women in their own apartments when called for a possible intruder!!
Police are trained to protect themselves at ALL COSTS!! If they perceive a threat to their lives, whether it’s a dog trying to protect his family or a 35 yo woman who accidentally dropped a tea kettle in her kitchen, they will always use lethal force.
There are receipts to back this up!
Thank you, Elizabeth, for sharing your thoughts. I completely understand your frustration and concern about the lack of training in canine behavior for law enforcement. It's crucial that we address these gaps to prevent unnecessary use of lethal force, especially in situations involving family pets. Your passion for this subject is evident, and it's voices like yours that can help drive meaningful change. Let's continue to advocate for better training and policies to ensure safer interactions between police and our communities.
Complicated issue Ed. I agree with your solutions. The problem with dog ownership is that—like parenting—there’s no qualifications or even intelligence required. There are so many shitty dog parents who have no clue about their own do/ behaviors or reactions. Uniforms? Men with hats? Something in their hands? My dogs react to all—but they are always safely behind a closed fence and/or leashed and/or inside if workmen or anyone else is coming.
Police Officers—whom I respect as having perhaps the toughest job in America—need more training and less lethal force to be sure. Postmen have been using pepper spray for decades—why can’t cops too?
Thank you, Dee, for sharing your thoughts on this complex issue. I completely agree that both responsible dog ownership and comprehensive training for law enforcement are crucial. It's true that dogs can react to uniforms, hats, or objects in people's hands, which is why it's important for owners to ensure their pets are safely secured. At the same time, police officers, who do have one of the toughest jobs, could benefit from more training in non-lethal methods, like the use of pepper spray, which has been effectively used by postal workers for years. Your insights highlight the need for balanced solutions that protect both officers and our beloved pets. Let's keep advocating for these important changes!
This is a complicated issue for the dog too, a stranger is coming onto your territory and you bark to signal to your "pack" (owners) that it's happening. Your next move might be to defend the territory or your "pack", which was what might have happened. The cop sees a barking dog running towards him, and shoots to protect himself. It's really stupid, but maybe he panicked, maybe has a fear of dogs, who knows.
Similar things happen when cops are called for autistic people in crisis. It often ends up in either the autistic person gets shot and killed, or the autistic person gets traumatized by being held in a hold or roughed up while being arrested.
Training and empathy can go a long way in both cases.
Dog owners also have an onus to control their dogs. When I volunteered with the rabbit rescue, we used to go to these big pet shows. People were allowed to bring their dogs if they were leashed and behaved. We always had bunnies with us, that were in the foster system, as the "stars" of the show. We had many people come by with their dogs who INSISTED that their dogs were "friendly with other animals because they had cats" and "is a big softie" or "just curious". Rabbits are prey animals, and being investigated and chased by a predator is not good for them. We were lucky we didn't have any that tried to attack the dogs, or dogs attacking rabbits. All of the rabbits made sounds of defense though and tried to hide from the dog. We specifically had signs around our booth too, not to bring dogs close to the rabbits.
I also experience this problem when I go walking in the ravine, some people can't control their dogs. I don't care how much your dog "loves people" and "is friendly", it can turn negative very quickly, because the dogs are not humans and will behave as animals do.
Squizz, you raise important points about the natural instincts of dogs to protect their territory and family, which can lead to misunderstandings in high-pressure situations. It's true that both dog owners and law enforcement officers have responsibilities in these encounters. Owners need to ensure their pets are controlled, while officers can benefit from training that emphasizes empathy and non-lethal approaches. Your experiences with the rabbit rescue highlight the importance of understanding animal behavior to prevent unnecessary conflicts. By working together and fostering better understanding, we can create safer environments for both people and animals.
Three big dogs coming towards me and my foster dog Chip is what resulted in a broken leg for me😩 Chip ( an 85 pound mix) was protecting his pack - me- and I didn’t let go of his leash🤦🏻♀️ my beautiful failed foster has since passed away😿 The amazing thing he got along fine with my herd of cats♥️
Sharon, it sounds like Chip was a wonderful and protective companion, and I'm sorry to hear about your injury and his passing. The fact he got along with your cats shows that he was truly a gentle guy at heart. Your experience highlights the natural instincts dogs have to protect their loved ones, and it's a reminder of the importance of understanding and managing these behaviors. I hope you're healing well and cherishing the memories of your time with Chip.
The police need to be trained to understand animal behaviour.
Horrific for families and tragically echoes excessive use of force and need for deescalation training in police responses to calls involving people😿😡
The thing is that animals and people in crisis have been around for longer than there's been a police force. Shoot first and ask questions later should not be the primary training you follow.
Sharon….perfectly stated!!
Another petition...
https://animalpetitions.org/1319442/call-for-accountability-in-officers-alleged-killing-of-family-dog/
ANIMALS 24-7 in 2017 reviewed 982 police shootings of dogs occurring since 2005, finding that police were hesitating now more than ever before pulling the trigger when dogs charge––and still shooting more dogs, because there were far more aggressive dogs at large.
The biggest difference in police response between 2005 and 2017 was that far more police and civilians were injured before the first shots were fired. In consequence, civilians were three times more likely than a decade earlier to be injured by dogs before police shoot the dogs, and police themselves were more than twice as likely to be hurt before they shoot.
Counting injuries to police canine officers, police casualties from dog attacks were up twelvefold in 10 years. In 2015-2016 and the first five months of 2017, ANIMALS 24-7 logged 377 cases of police shooting dogs: 13 per month. Civilians had already been injured by the dogs in 129 cases: about one in three, triple the rate of injury from before police opened fire in 2005-2006.
Police or animal control officers were injured before the dogs were shot in 64 cases: one in six, twice the rate of injury from before police opened fire in 2005-2006.
Only one statistic pertaining to police shooting dogs had not markedly changed since 2005-2006: of 281 dogs shot by police in 2005-2006, 216 were pit bulls: 87%.
Of 175 dogs shot by police in 2013, at the time a record number, 152 were pit bulls: 87%.
Of 149 dogs shot by police in 2014, 119 were pit bulls: 80%.
Of the 377 dogs shot by police in 2015-2016 and the first five months of 2017, 325 were pit bulls: 86%.
Altogether, 812 of the 982 dogs shot by police in cases of which ANIMALS 24-7 has documentation were pit bulls: 83%.
Consistent with those numbers, of the 13 police canine officers injured by dogs whom police subsequently shot, 11 were pit bulls: 85%.
ANIMALS 24-7 also examined the oft-amplified allegation typically attributed to the U.S. Department of Justice that police are shooting as many as 10,000 dogs per year.
This claim appears to trace back to a guesstimate that police may shoot as many as 25 dogs a day, included in both a 2010 publication by the American SPCA and a 2011 paper funded by the pro-pit bull National Canine Research Council, a wholly owned subsidiary of the pit bull advocacy front Animal Farm Foundation.
The actual total, however, appears to be less than a third as high.
Data from New York City, Los Angeles, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where court cases have repeatedly resulted from police shooting dogs, showed that among these cities, with a combined human population of 13.1 million, the highest total number of dog shootings in any given year since 2000 was 115.
If police throughout the U.S. shot dogs at the same cumulative rate, the annual toll would be about 2,800, of which ANIMALS 24-7 would receive documentation of about 5%-10% in any given year.
(See https://www.animals24-7.org/2017/05/25/when-pit-bulls-charge-holding-fire-gets-cops-hurt-12-times-more-often/.)
Merritt, thank you for providing such detailed insights from ANIMALS 24-7. Your analysis of police-related dog shootings, particularly the disproportionate number of incidents involving pit bulls, is eye opening. It's important to understand these dynamics as we advocate for improved training for law enforcement. Your findings underscore the complexity of the issue and the need for data-driven approaches to enhance both officer and public safety. I appreciate the depth of your research and will consider these important points as part of our ongoing discussions on effective and humane law enforcement practices. Thank you for your dedication to shedding light on these critical issues.
These stats are staggering! I had no idea. As usual, your Call to Action is excellent.