Changing how we view animal control - redux

Princess (pictured left) is dead today - -thanks to cool hand Tom Skeldon and the rest of the Lucas County Dog Wardens.

Princess got loose and was out in the neighborhood. Lucas County animal control was called to the scene, but the dog was fairly elusive and ended up escaping. The dog ended up running up on its own front porch when one of the animal control officers pelted the dog with a tranquelizer.  The dosage of the tranquilizer was too much for the 15 lbs dog and the dog died from the shot.  

Bob Helle was working on the roof of a school building nearby and watched the scene unfold.

 "I really wish I had videotaped it because people wouldn't believe the way it was handled. It was so sad. I can still see it running through my mind. Shooting that little defenseless dog as it was sitting on the front porch waiting to get back in," says Helle.

Helle describe the dog (estimated to be about 15 lbs) as being playful and definitely not aggressive.

Owner Chad Snyder is pretty choked up about the incident -- and while he says he understands the importance of tranquilizers, says it was too much for his small dog.

"They rolled up on her, stuck the rifle out and blasted her. There ought to be some kind of a weight limit," says Snyder. . "You've got 5 humans versus a 10 pound dog and this is the best you can do. There's got to be a better way!"

Helle and Snyder are adding themselves to the list of people who want changes in Animal Control in Toledo as Tom Skeldon continues to operate under a 1980s view of Animal control that is different from the values of a 2009 society.  Not only are his methods of "shoot first" outdated, but the community has seen an increase in dog bites under his draconian watch.

The lack of value placed on dogs' lives by authorities isn't something that is unique to Toledo -- even if Tom Skeldon could be their poster-boy. The needless killing of dogs by authorities without consequence is very troubling.

There is a story from San Diego where Police investigated a home in search of narcotics (they found none) but in their search, left the back yard gate open. The owner let out the dog and the dog ran through the open gate where officers shot the dog dead (even though they conceded that the dog did not attack). The police THEN arrested the dog's owner for assault with a weapon -- the weapon being the dying dog.  The story just gets worse.  And I agree with the thoughts on this from the Reason.com blog:

"What's troubling is how often in these stories the police officer's first reaction is to fire his weapon at the animal....Something's clearly amiss when a police officer can stroll onto the private property of someone who's doing nothing illegal, be confronted by a dog who's merely doing what dogs do—defending his territory—shoot the dog dead, and get nothing but full support from his superiors. Moreover, many of these shootings have happened in neighborhoods, inside of homes, and in a few cases, directly in front of children.  You'd think there would be some public safety concerns, too."

 We must get rid of the shoot-first, ask questions later mentality. I realize that there are circumstances where officers must shoot dogs for their safety or the public safety -- but that should be the LAST resort.  Not the first one.  Especially when it involves a 15 lbs dog that is sitting on its front porch.

Comments

[Julie]

Great post, Brent. Another "pit bull" was shot and killed by police officers in Oregon this week, and I'm glad to see that this disturbing trend is getting more negative attention.

[YesBiscuit!]

As a society, we are continually evolving. Compare a visit to the dentist 30 years ago vs. today as an example. But somehow, many animal control agencies, and the attitudes of law enforcement and people in general, are stuck in a time warp when it comes to pets. Personal responsibility, compassion and kindness: They aren't just for the dentist anymore!

[MichelleD]

OH residents keep fighting this serial killer!

I think its time for civil disobedience. March on city hall and DEMAND ACTION!

[Becky]

This incident is sickening beyond words. I can't stand the image that is stuck in my head.

weight limit? Why in the world was this dog even shot w/ the tranqu???

[Selma]

Skeldon's gotta go! He's about 20 years past his sell-by date.

[KC KS Kills Dogs]

Skeldon needs to be booted out, who is gonna make the first kick?

[Melissa]

I think we need to enforce/create better laws in these situations. Why arent dogs lives held with the same value/importance as humans? I think the shooter should be put on trial and sent to jail. Plain and simple. My dogs are like family members. Yes they are dogs first and foremost, but they are still members of my family. If someone shot my human child or my canine family member, I would want the same justice for either. For an animal that shows such loyalty and unconditional love, our society should be treating them alot better. They certainly deserve it.