On Aug. 16, 2015, a Fresno County Deputy shot a beloved family pet, Face, in his own backyard in front of a 2 yr old child.  An incident report has not been made available, but news sources report the Sheriff's Department was responding to a welfare check based on a report of a child crying.  Surveillance video shows deputies walk past the front door of the home, unlock & enter a gate posted with a "Beware of Dog" sign, and shoot Face at least twice.  His injuries were fatal, but he was still breathing; the family had to request his suffering end and watch their family pet be shot 3 more times.

Face was more than "just a dog".  Left in a barrel as a puppy by a family who moved away, he was rescued by his new family and quickly became a huge part of their lives.  This family is no stranger to tragedy.  Having had a son who shot himself just 4 yrs ago, and now their friend's 2 yr old so close to gunfire, witnessing the shooting of Face has been beyond devastating and will deeply effect both families for years to come.

In California, other departments have implemented canine encounter training programs.  With the DOJ estimating that 25-30 dogs are shot by law enforcement every day in the United States, and approximately 42% of households having at least one pet, policies need to change to protect the public as well as law enforcement agencies.  States such as Colorado, Texas, and Ohio have passed bills for mandatory canine encounter training to differentiate between threatening and non-threatening dog behaviors, as well as to employ non-lethal means whenever possible.

Please join us in signing this petition to raise awareness and show Fresno County how important it is that they review their policies and implement training.  It's not just a matter of another dog being shot.  These are our pets, our loyal family members.  When they are ripped from our lives, it's not something we ever get over; the emotional effects are devastating. This was a completely avoidable catastrophe.  The deputies involved need to be held responsible for their actions, including putting other people's lives at risk, and to be terminated for their negligence.

Justice 4 Face https://www.facebook.com/Justice-4-Face-1600753633523356/

News coverage: http://photographyisnotacrime.com/2015/09/california-deputy-caught-on-video-entering-backyard-and-killing-dog/