It is time for us to take a stand against the senseless killing of dogs. Every year, countless dogs are shot by law enforcement officers without any vetting or assessment of their behavior. This is unacceptable and needs to change.

According to a study conducted by the National Canine Research Council, over 25% of police shootings involve dogs. In many cases, these shootings occur because officers perceive the dog as a threat, even when there is no evidence to support this perception.

We believe that all dogs should be checked and vetted before being shot. This means that law enforcement officers should be required to assess the dog's behavior and determine whether it poses an actual threat before resorting to lethal force.

There are many ways that this can be accomplished. For example, officers could receive training on how to read canine body language and behavior so they can better understand when a dog is truly aggressive versus just frightened or protective.

Additionally, animal control officers could be called in to assist with situations involving dogs instead of relying solely on law enforcement personnel who may not have the necessary expertise in dealing with animals.

We urge lawmakers and law enforcement agencies across the country to implement policies requiring all dogs be checked and vetted before being shot. By doing so, we can help prevent unnecessary deaths of innocent animals while also ensuring public safety.

Sources:
- National Canine Research Council: https://www.nationalcanineresearchcouncil.com/dog-bite-related-fatalities/police-shootings-of-dogs/
- American Veterinary Medical Association: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/animal-welfare/welfare-implications-police-use-deadly-force-against-canines