Chief Deputy William "Buzz" Brown, a top-ranking U.S. Marshal in Southern Indiana, is under investigation for shooting an 18-pound rat terrier last Tuesday night in Fishers, Indiana. The dog, a 7-year old named Reese, was shot twice by Brown, and has lost her front paw to the gunshot injury. This apparently dangerous "ankle biter" is lucky to be alive after bravely barking at the U.S. Marshall.
The story, as told by Brown in an official report made to the Fishers Police Department, stated Brown arrived home from work around 11:15 p.m. and "a small dog came out of the bushes and began to bark." Brown then backed up and fired two shots into the dog.
Neighbors hearing the gunshots placed a call to 911. A second call was placed by Brown stating he'd felt threatened and had shot a small dog.
A neighbor witnessed the dog being shot, yet the Fishers Police Department will not charge Brown for the shooting since it was "self defense." How dangerous are these dogs? Could officer Brown have suffered a nip to his kneecap had he not protected himself?
Reese was taken to a local veterinary clinic and treated for a fractured rear left leg, plus amputation of her front leg. Her family is facing at least $10,000 in veterinarian bills. Her owner told Fox59 New that she was taking her two dogs out on their leashes when Reese got loose and ran around the side of her apartment building. She then heard two barks followed by two gunshots. It didn't take long for her to learn her dog had been shot.
Fisher Police Spokesman Tom Weger made a statement defending Brown and his right to shoot the rat terrier. "Obviously, Mr. Brown perceived Reese as a threat. He was fearful he was going to be bitten so he pulled his handgun and shot the dog."
Brown has been with the U.S. Marshal Service for 10 years and has been the chief deputy of the Indiana Southern District for the past three years.
Fox 59 News was told in an interview with U.S. Marshall Kerry Forestal that Brown remains on the job. A copy of Brown's incident report will be sent to the Office of Inspection in Washington to be reviewed by the U.S. Marshals Service, where he is currently under investigation for discharging his firearm. Then a report by that office will be forwarded to the Firearms Review Board.
Reece's owner told Fox News she is now afraid to return to her apartment building because she's afraid of retaliation by Brown.
How many dog lover's out there feel this type of behavior is shameful? My neighbors all have small dogs. Mostly chihuahuas, who are infamous as "ankle biters." To even think of harming a small dog, who by the nature of its size couldn't physically bite above my kneecap, is unthinkable. I personally find it difficult to believe that a grown man felt his life was in danger when confronted by an 18-pound dog.
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