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"Killer" the miniature dachshund shot by a police officer.
(Richmond-Times Dispatch)
Outrage continues to grow over a police officer's shooting and killing of a 12-pound, 11 year-old miniature dachshund in Danville, Virginia on Monday, June 8.
An online petition has been started protesting the use of excessive force, while others are encouraging outraged readers to contact the Danville Police Department directly by email and phone.
Columnist Michael Paul "Mike" Williams of the Richmond Times-Disptach wrote an excellent article entitled "Danville police officer was dead wrong to kill dachshund."
In the article, Williams reveals that the Danville Police Department has a history of shooting and killing dogs. In fact, the killing of "six or eight" dogs in 2006 (involving pit bulls, a Labrador retriever and one Doberman pinscher) prompted the local Danville humane society to foot the bill for the American Humane Society to come into the Danville Police Department and train the officers on how best to handle threatening dogs.
Apparently, an element that was left out of the training was "How to use one's common sense when being barked at by an aging, diminutive pooch." Surely, the training would have recommended the officer reach for the pepper spray or get into the patrol car?
Still, Danville's Chief of Police Philip Broadfoot defends the officer's actions, maintaining that "it is within the department's policy to shoot a dog that is presenting a threat to an officer."
The department initially refused to release the officer's name, but since then revealed that it was Officer Murrill McLean, 43, who pulled the trigger on the 11 year-old dachshund. Officer McLean is described by the department as a "longtime resident of Danville who joined the force in 2005," reports WXII12 News. (We'd love to know whether Officer McLean was in attendance at the humane society training since he was employed by the department at the time of the training.)
In actions that seem as if the Danville Police Department "doth protest too much," it is also asserting that the wiener dog --- affectionately and ironically named "Killer" --- may have had rabies and allegedly displayed aggressive tendencies in the past. Meanwhile, neighbors describe the aging dachshund as a harmless and sweet neighborhood dog.
The Danville Police Department realizes that the shooting of a small breed dog is unusual and will be the subject of much discussion in the community...
...Options are limited when dealing with a dog that is engaged in a running attack from the rear without warning...
In the few seconds before the attack, most officers will not decide to 'take a bite' in the hopes that the dog can be identified, captured, and quarantined. It is unreasonable to expect an officer to factor into his decision making process during an attack the likelihood of a successful identification, capture, and quarantine after the attack
--Danville Police Department, attempting to justify the killing of an 11 year-old miniature dachshund weighing 12 pounds
"McLean also is a staff sergeant in the Virginia National Guard with more than 14 years of military service, including a tour in Iraq," reports the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
"I don't think he overreacted," Chief Broadfoot said. "I think he reacted based on the information he had at the time. Any attempt to characterize him as reckless is inconsistent with his proven record of responsible behavior."
Comments
Disgusting says it all ...
A squirt gun would have averted a "vicious" attack from this liitle dog.
This is exactly the type of behavior that lead many (fairly or not) to believe that the fine line between some cops and criminals is barely distinguishable. As a former dachsund owner, I have written to the captain of that police department to urge that this officer be immediately fired and urge that others do the same.
Still, Danville's Chief of Police Philip Broadfoot defends the officer's actions, maintaining that "it is within the department's policy to shoot a dog that is presenting a threat to an officer." Give me a FREAKIN break! So if this is the case and he could reach his gun but not his pepper spray! Then I think that anyone such as postal carriers, delivery drivers, news paper carriers, etc. should now be allowed to carry guns. How can one justify this by any means? I have felt threatened many times over the years but I have never been allowed to shoot and kill animals or people what makes his decision right?
I'm an Infantry Veteran and I'm retired from the Electric Utility Business with 35 years experience dealing with other peoples Dogs. It's hard to buy that a weenie dog's bark or speed of attack would present a threat warrenting use of deadly force. The officer had time to aquire this small target and discharge his weapon. I'd say he needs evaluation for PTSD, treatment and retraining. I also suggest that the Chief ain't living in the real world with his reaction to this case. Yes there are breeds that would present a reasonable "benefit of a doubt" for this response. If this is defendable I guess a 3 year old racing down the sidewalk toward him on a big wheel could be interpreted as assault with a deadly weapon! Chief, your creditability and that of your entire department is on the line here! Don't hide behind a policy to protect one clearly individual bad judgement.
My goodness it was a "wiener dog" step on him to control him. Dont shoot him. If the guy is that big of a sissy to feel threatened by a dachshund he has no business being a policeman!
A mini Dachshund would not harm a police officer. Like someone else said, it's most likely PTSD. The guy needs help, and the police department needs to do something about the loss of these people's pet. I know money won't bring back the little fella, but there needs to be some compensation for the wrong caused here.
I wouldn't throw the officer under the bus. If he's recently returned from combat he clearly needs help. I'd throw the Chief under the bus for not recognising this "red flag" for what it is and handling it imediately. The message that this is justified and appropraite tells me who needs help and who needs another position. This Vet and the entire department deserves better leadership, direction and treatment than this. Returning Vet's need support and treatment where indicated.
I HOPE HE ROTS IN HELL. I AM PUTTING A HEX ON HIM!
I would have shot him too, Im not going to stand there and take a bite. SO I guess if he kicked the dog all you bleeding hearts would be complaining about that too. The dog has bitten been before. Next time your kid gets nailed by a dog dont go calling the animal warden, just give the dog a cookie. Fault lays with the owners for letting the dog run at large. And all this crap about PTSD, give me a break. I dont have it I would have shot the dog as well.
I could understand if a pit bull, staff or mastif was running towards the officer growling etc but a tiny little 12Lb dog...PLEASE.. its roughly the same size as a 5 month old baby...god forbid a baby screams in his face, he might kill it...its disgraceful that his chief will put his whole reputation and the police dept's on the line for this man...must be more too it....
I think the officer should be put on desk duty, have his weapon taken away and only be able to carry mace when necessary, any officer who thinks this little 12lb dog is a threat should not be on the streets. HE HAS PROBLEMS. It would be nice if the owners could bring criminal/civil suit against him. But as an officer thats going to be hard to do.
This officer is in the wrong line of work. I agree with Steve C.- the infantry officer, the officer needs treatment and retraining.
They need to admit they were wrong - only they aren't going to becuase then the family will be able to sue them. I think 10grand is a good sum to ease the grief. Take a vacation to destress after loosing your pet, make a nice memorial and have some money left over to either get a new dog when they are ready or to donate to a shelter in memory of their pet.
My heart goes out to the family.
Going In someone yard shooting their dog isn't called for no matter what type of dog.I would like to know how many unarmed people has been shoot or killed by these sissy cops. shooting a gun anything could happen, they could've hitted a kid or anything. what chance to take.
Here I go again , I'm a former Marine , and former deputy sheriff ,and I am finding it really hard to believe that this Iraq war vet could be so afraid of a 77 year old ( dog years ) 12 pound ankle biter , that he felt he needed to shot it ,to stop the possible threat it may have caused. What do you think it was capable of Overseer McLean , in your mind was it going to jump up and knock you down then go for your jugular. Hey I shouldn't give your Police Chief P. Broadfoot any ideas ,because he might use that one as another way of justifying your stupid actions , that's why alot of people do not trust the police , because when you are obviously wrong , a witless clown of a Police Chief like P.Broadfoot will go on pubic record and try to say the Overseer was just following policy.
PS - Overseer Mclean if the Danville P.D. has any common sense they will send you packing ,since you appear to be a liability / civil suit waiting to happen again. Just alittle advice , don't try and come to the mean streets of East L.A. and try to be Mister Bad with your gurn , because if a little dog has you so scaried for your life the gangbangers out there will having you peeing your pants , faster than you can say wussie.
Well everyone ,after a little surfing I found several articles on the net that say Overseer McLean was terminated approx. one month after the shooting due to a proper investigation that had to be done by the chief of the dept. , since his underlings thought it would be a good idea to hide the truth. Hey guys all you did was make yourselves look like the keystone cops , I applaud your Chief for doing the right thing. I'm done , I just pray for the dogs in the middle east , since the big bad army man will be going back over there to protect us from all the iraqi ankle biters that may have rabies.
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