Cops Kill Pet Dog Which Was Not Threatening Anyone

Lawsuit says police didn't need to shoot, kill Rosie | Local News | The Seattle Times:

The audio recording indicates the officers were talking about shooting her within 10 minutes of arriving at the scene.

'via Blog this'The Wrights believe the officers were intent on shooting the dog almost from the outset. They filed a federal lawsuit Nov. 17 against Des Moines police, claiming their civil rights were violated when officers shot Rosie. Attorney Shannon Ragonesi of the law firm of Keating Bucklin & McCormack, which is representing the city, would not speak to the specifics of the lawsuit. However, she said the Police Department conducted a "thorough internal review" and concluded the officers' actions were justified.

Two other reviews of animal-control policies — one by an outside agency and the other by an ad hoc committee appointed by the City Council — reached similar findings, save for a finding that the city needed guidelines for the use of Tasers on animals, Ragonesi said.

"Sweetness of temperament"

It was a Sunday, and there was no animal-control officer on duty, when police responded to Rosie's neighborhood in the 26200 block of 16th Avenue South, according to police reports and the lawsuit. Officers concluded the dog lived at the address where she was spotted — she'd apparently knocked down a fence to get out of the enclosed backyard.

According to the American Kennel Club's (AKC) website, Newfoundlands are large working dogs often used in cold-water rescue because of their thick coats. The AKC says the breed's "sweet disposition makes him a good fit for families." Though the dogs appear docile, they are active and require daily exercise. "Sweetness of temperament is the hallmark of the Newfoundland; this is the most important single characteristic of the breed," the AKC says.

The conversation among the officers responding to the call was captured on dashboard-camera audio obtained by the Wrights' attorney through the state Public Disclosure Act.

At one point, an officer produced a catchpole with a loop on one end, used to snare small animals from a safe distance. But because of Rosie's size, they questioned whether it would work — even if they could figure out how to operate it.

And then there was this dilemma, posed by one of the officers: "Once we get him, what are we gonna do with him?"

An officer suggested using a Taser on her. Another thought he might be able to "choke her out."

The audio recording indicates the officers were talking about shooting her within 10 minutes of arriving at the scene.