Last weekend Michael Paxton was out enjoying a day off and playing fetch with his dog Cisco. He walked away for minute to retrieve something from his truck, leaving the Australian Cattle Dog unattended. As he approached the front of his house he was met by a police offer, who was dispatched to the wrong address.
As Paxton was about to speak to the office Cisco came around to the front. The police office then ordered Paxton to retrain his dog and keep his hands up. Paxton, unsure of which order to follow briefly hesitated, that was when the newly hired police officer shot the canine as it was rushing toward him.
The gunshot proved to be fatal and Paxton was devastated. The district police chief released a public apology to Michael Paxton and the community. No information has been released on whether the dog has a history of violence. Although nothing can replaced a beloved pet, no word is out if the city will offer up anything besides condolences to the bereaved owner.
There are no statistics available regarding the number of animals and pets shot per year by police, as many as 100 local news stories can be found where police have erroneously injured or killed a family pet.
If something positive is to come of this, it should be a lesson to pet owners. Keeping in mind the data collected, here are a few tips that could help to keep your pets safe should an officer of the peace approach your home or vehicle:
- Always make certain your pet is contained before answering the door, whether this means on a leash, in another room or trained to stay back from the entrance until called by the owner.
- Always check your pet’s collar or harness and leash before heading out of the house.
- Never let your pet outside without a leash.
- Walk the length of your fence to check for any holes, tears or open gates. Perform regular maintenance check on electric fence systems.
- When possible transport pets in carriers, if this is not possible, restrain with pet seatbelts (available at all large pet stores).
- NEVER allow your dog to ride unrestrained in the back of a pick-up truck.
- In case of unforeseen incident, keep all of your pets’ vaccines up-to-date (With unemployment rates high, this is difficult for many families, http://www.humanesocietynational.org/ can help and may also direct you to local facilities that vaccinate on a sliding scale, depending upon income)
It’s very difficult to keep your pet safe when the unexpected happens. But keeping a calm manner and not raising your voice will help your pooch to stay calm in the presence of law enforcement.
