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FACT SHEET #1
FACT SHEET #2
OVERVIEW
An incident in Cookeville, Tennessee in which a police officer fatally shot
a family’s pet dog during a stop created a public outcry. Although it was a felony stop, critics allege
the officer was too quick to put down the dog.
It was all captured on video. The
dog appeared friendly rather than aggressive.
Complicating the issue is the fact that the owners of the dog had done
nothing wrong and that the felony stop was based on erroneous information. The result was inevitable litigation even
though the shooting was ruled justified.
There have been numerous incidents in which officers have shot and
killed dogs. There is no argument that
killing attacking, or even threatening, animals is justified. This video is designed to help officers
evaluate situations involving animals more intelligently and to take
alternative action when appropriate.
The Approach:
• Anticipate the presence of a dog on any
property. One out of three (now four)
Americans own a dog.
• Look for signs that a dog is
present.
• Contact owner to confine dog. (Some officers carry doggie treats with them
to mollify dogs)
• Assume a dog is on the
premises. Let it know you are
approaching.
• Look at a dog’s body language.
• Don’t approach dogs that seem
afraid.
• Do not back ANY dog into
corner.
• Never exit car when unfriendly
dog or dogs are present.
• Barking does NOT always mean a
dog is aggressive.
• Dogs are highly territorial and
inherently protective. They react to
movement.
• Touching the owner, even the gesture of
handing him something, can provoke hostility from the animal.
• Use lethal force when nothing
else works.
The Do’s and Don’ts When A Dog Is Provoked:
• Keep movement to a minimum
• Show profile
• Don’t extend hand
• Don’t stare
• Don’t smile or show teeth
• Back away slowly
If a dog greets you with hostility, don’t be afraid to retreat and consider
your next course of action.
If there is no time to retreat, use your baton as a “bite” stick, or “feed”
it something like your jacket. Striking the dog will make it more aggressive.
Tools:
There are a number of tools officers usually have at their disposal that
can be used to fend off an attack by a dog.
• Pepper Spray (Note: Pepper spray does not work
on pit bulls.)
• Night Stick
• Baton
• Fire Extinguishers
• Lethal force should be the final option in
the force continuum.
Force Continuum
• Calming behavior
• Commands
• Isolation
• Chemical, electronic, sonic physical
repellents
Pit Bulls and Larger Dogs:
Pit Bulls are the most
notorious of all dogs. They have often
been associated with attacks. They are often used as guard dogs by drug dealers
and many have been trained to fight.
By nature, they are people-friendly and will not challenge, unless not
socialized properly. Their best
qualities are those that make them so suitable for protection. They are
fiercely loyal, tenacious, intelligent, but if they growl, watch out. Pit bulls
often wag their tails before just before and after an attack. When the tail is
held high and wagging in short movements, it may be a sign of dominance rather
than friendliness.
Rottweilers are
not very sociable and do not like to take orders from strangers or even from
their owners. Take it seriously when they growl.
Dobermans often do not
bark or show aggression before they attack.
These larger breeds can be docile or dangerous. They have a fierce protective streak which
can be exploited by those who train them to attack.
How to Protect Yourself:
The follow maneuvers can be employed during an attack.
Turn to the side: That gives an animal a less threatening profile and makes you a smaller
target.
Protect face and throat: Dogs will usually attack the face and throat because that is where the
sound comes from. An attacking dog wants to silence its prey. So:
Do not yell or scream.
Brace yourself: You
want to avoid being knocked down were the animal has easier access to your
throat.
Fetal position: It you are knocked down, assume the fetal
position to lessen the exposure of as much body surface as possible.
Protect throat and ears: Use your hands.
Do not expose fingers: It is best to ball your hands so
the animal cannot bite at your fingers
Review:
Read the dog’s body language: Their intentions are usually clearly signaled.
Avoid Eye Contact: Staring at a dog is interpreted as a threat.
Stand Still: Dogs
are more likely to attack a moving target.
Use Verbal Commands: Dogs that have been trained will
often respond to commands such as “sit!” or “stay!”
Allow Dog to Retreat: Never corner a dog. Allow it to pull back. They are very territorial and
frequently will pull back when they feel their territory is not threatened.
Be Prepared: When
entering a situation in which a confrontation with a dog(s) is likely, have
such equipment as nooses available to restrain the animals.
Train: Work with K9
officers or animal welfare organizations to learn more about dog behavior.
Resist Lethal Force: Resist the temptation to use lethal force unless there is no alternative.
Remember, dogs are someone’s property.
Destroy that property and you are setting up you and your department for
a lawsuit.
If and when you decide on lethal force:
- If you can’t shoot before an attack, try and make the dog bite your weak side arm.
- Do all that you can to stay on your feet.
- Shoot the dog in chest or shoulder until it releases you.
Questions for Discussion
1.
What are your feelings about the Tennessee dog shooting? Do you feel the
officer was justified in killing the animal, why or why not?
2. Do you feel you might have reacted in the
same way?
3.
Is it time for you to personally reevaluate your approach to
confrontations with animals? Discuss it.
4.
Have you been trained to deal with aggressive dogs? If not, do you feel training
in this area would worthwhile?
5. Have you ever been attacked by a dog?
6. How do you deal with aggressive dogs?
7. How well do you think you can read dogs?
8.
Would you call an animal control officer if you were called to a scene where
there were barking dogs?
9.
Do you worry more about confrontations with some breeds more than
others, if so, why?
10. Do you fear dogs? If so, would that
affect your approach to dealing with an aggressive animal?
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