There are many incidents within the last year in Colorado involving officers killing family pets and strays. Cops seem to have a "Shoot first, ask questions later" mentality regarding dogs.These stories are reported on the nighly news, people feel bad, cops offer up a generic apology, and nothing really gets ammended. It is a simple slap on the wrist for them after killing an animal, whereas those affected have to deal with the heartbreak ensued by this for weeks, months, even years. 

In one instance, police responded to a domestic violence call, entered the wrong residence, and shot a family dog that was barking at them. Another involved a 911 misdial in which police followed protocol and responded to the residence anyways, and then proceeded to shoot one of the three family dogs present. That 'accident' was witnessed by the family's 6 year old daughter, who fainted upon seeing her dog shot.

The video attatched is from the most recent incident. PLEASE NOTE: this is an extremely graffic video and is not suitable for all viewers. In Commerce City, cops were called to a residence regarding an unfamiliar dog roaming around a civillian's garage.The dog is continually growling and baring it's teeth to the officials surrounding it. This goes on for a few minutes until the animal control official present is able to restrain the dog with a loop pole, a device meant to capturing and restraining animals at a safe distance. Once the y get the dog restrained, the dog, understandably, panics and tries fervorously to free itself. One of the officers, completely out of harm's way mind you, decides to unload 5 rounds into the dog after seeing this. It is undoubtably a prime example of unnecessary force. It almost seems as though he was just waiting for the opportunity to do this, seeing as he has his gun drawn before the animal's adverse reaction.I can see no reason for any shots to be fired, let alone 5. Seeing as the dog was restrained, and the restraints used are meant to protect the person from the animal, the 'self defense' excuse is invalid. I also question why they would respond to a call solely to do with an animal, and not come prepared with tranquilizers or sedatives.

This is a travesty for any human being to witness. Even as an adult, the display made me ill. Can you imagine a child witnessing such an event? What message does that send to anyone, it's okay to kill something you don't understand? As someone who works with animals (I am a dog groomer) I am familiar with animal behavior. In addition to this knowledge, I have also had the experience of dogs growling, baring teeth, scratching, and even biting me. Not once have I ever cause physical harm to a dog in any of these circumstances. The dog in the video is clearly afraid, and feels threatened, therefore he is defending himself the only way he knows how, vocally and visually (growling and baring teeth). There are ways to approach such beahavior peacefully and effectively. This video made me question a lot of things. Most notably: If there were an intruder in my house, what would be worse, getting robbed or having the cops show up to 'accidentaly' shoot my dog? Should I really have to choose between the two? As a civillian, I believe in the old addage that cops are here "To Serve and Protect", after witnessing what I have, I question that. Who are they serving when they murder innocent animals? And needless to say, they certainly aren't protecting anyone but themselves.

 If these cops were more knowledgeable about animal behavior and how to approach an aggressive animal, maybe they wouldn't be so trigger happy. Justice needs to be provided for families that have lost pets to this kind of insensitive 'protocol' and there are many dog's lives that can be saved by shedding light on this issue.

I am angry. I am outraged. I am confused. But most of all, I am utterly heartbroken. So I have decided that instead of holding onto these feelings forever with no resolution, I would try to turn them into something positive and productive. I am asking you to please sign this petition. I believe that if you have a dog, have ever had a dog, or even know someone with a dog you should feel strongly about the protection of that animal. You wouldn't turn a blind eye to somoene neglecting or abusing their pet, so why is it okay for cops to take the lives of these animals? I am sincerely hoping the entire law enforcement field will follow suit and better equip their officers with the knowledge and compassion to think before shooting.