Public outrage builds over police officer who fatally shot dog (Austin, Texas)

KVUE.com ^ | April 16, 2012 | SHELTON GREEN

[Timber Rattler]

AUSTIN – The fatal shooting of a pet dog by an Austin Police Department officer over the weekend is sparking outrage near and far.

As of Monday evening, close to 22,000 people had hit the "Like" button on a Facebook page called “Justice for Cisco,” the name of Austinite Michael Paxton's dog, which was killed by an officer.

[Timber Rattler]

Long story short: A 911 caller in Austin reported a domestic disturbance but gave the wrong address to the dispatcher. A LEO responded at the wrong address, drew his gun on the innocent homeowner, and then shot his dog.

The police chief's response?

“We're sorry that the dog owner lost his dog over the incident," said Sgt. Daniels. "It's an unfortunate situation, but the officer was basically in retreat, and he fired his weapon in self-defense.”

Unbelievable.

[Yashcheritsiy]

Well it’s obvious that the officer was in fear of his life and needed to shoot the dog to protect himself from mortal danger. He probably should have shot the homeowner too, just to be sure.

/FR bootlicks

[SkyDancer]

"Hands up!"

"Control Your Dog!"

"How?"

"Bang Bang"

All in four seconds? How was the cop retreating??

Good thing the homeowner didn't comply because the cop would have said he was escaping and shot the homeowner too.

[sam_paine]

Police Chief Acevedo is trying to muscle in on the dogcatchers jobs.

Neighbor’s dog bothering you? Just call in a report that the dog’s owners sound like they “may” be having a domestic disturbance. Boom. Cops are dispatched and shoot the dog for you...possibly cuffing your neighbor for counseling as well! Bonus!

[Envisioning]

"Hands up!"

"Control Your Dog!"

"How?"

"Bang Bang"

All in four seconds? How was the cop retreating??

Good thing the homeowner didn't comply because the cop would have said he was escaping and shot the homeowner too.

No kidding. WTF is the deal with cops shooting dogs?

You shoot my dog in front of me for no reason, you BETTER be ready to shoot me too!

Austin's finest need some training in shoot/don't shoot scenarios.

[X-spurt]

Easily beleivable in AUSTIN!!!

[Paine in the Neck]

Confusion reigned in this one. 911 caller got info wrong, dispatcher didn’t get/give description of alleged perp. Cop yells conflicting commands - “Put your hands up; get your dog”. Dog owner, looking down barrel of cop’s gun, is confused by commands, doesn’t grab dog in 1-2 seconds allowed before cop shoots.

[shadeaud]

Austin, the liberal capital of Texas, is getting serious about neutering your pet laws.

[SkyDancer]

I’m thinking that one of these days a cop will shoot the wrong dog. Just saying.

[evets]

Austin Police Chief hospitalized with chest pains
Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo was taken to an Austin hospital Monday
afternoon by ambulance for minor chest pains, he said this morning.
Acevedo was kept overnight for observation and is expected to be released this morning.
City and police officials had declined to comment about his condition Monday night.
“I’m fine,” Acevedo said. “I appreciate everyone’s concern and well wishes.”
Acevedo called in to KLBJ FM’s Dudley and Bob show this morning to speak to Michael Paxton,
whose dog was fatally shot Saturday afternoon by an Austin police officer who officials have said was defending himself.
Acevedo apologized to Paxton and said an investigation is under way, which he said is standard when officers discharge a weapon.
Statesman.com

[x1stcav]

One of these days one of these douche-bag dog-killing cops is going to kill someone’s dog and is going to find himself offed.

This crap has got to stop.

[Terry Mross]

Domestic disturbance calls are one of the most dangerous call a cop can get. However, when I was a cop we NEVER pulled out weapons unless we were sure there was a threat to someone.

The Humane Society should have a firing range for cops. Whenever they have animals to put down just call the cops and tell them they got some dogs they need to have shot. This way the cops can get it out of their systems.

[sam_paine]

Confusion reigned in this one. 911 caller got info wrong, dispatcher didn’t get/give description of alleged perp. Cop yells conflicting commands - “Put your hands up; get your dog”. Dog owner, looking down barrel of cop’s gun, is confused by commands, doesn’t grab dog in 1-2 seconds allowed before cop shoots.

Problem is, there's no confusion AFTER this.

The rank and file cops are learning that Chief Acevedo has their back completely against the pesky citizens. They're learning that if there is any doubt whatsoever, pull the trigger and the Chief will back you up. Suck it up liberals. Here's your multicultural police state you wanted.

[sam_paine]

Domestic disturbance calls are one of the most dangerous call a cop can get.

Then why did the cop get out and enter the "most dangerous situation" WITHOUT BACKUP?

The cop drove by, did not hear any disturbance and called the dispatch for verification.

The second cop car showed up after the shot was fired.

If there had been a domestic abuse case, then the fight would already be over with by the time this idiot finished harassing this guy and his dog.

[sam_paine]

Acevedo apologized to Paxton and said an investigation is under way, which he said is standard when officers discharge a weapon.

Yesterday KLBJ AM reported that the officer was NOT taken off duty immediately and there WAS NOT an investigation underway because the situation did not warrant it.

[Sans-Culotte]

I’m afraid I would have come to harm from the officer if this were my dog at my house. One thing is for sure: I would get even.

[Red Badger]

Was he wearing a hoodie?..........

[arthurus]

Owning a dog is a bit of an insurance policy against being shot by police. Police everywhere are developing or have developed the expectation that if they are called to any sort of disturbance at a home they are entitled to fire their weapons at some living creature. A dog is the designated first choice of target and the only legitimate target if the citizens at the call are unarmed. If there is no dog, however...

[Terry Mross]

Hey, I’m with you!

[Joe 6-pack]

WOOOF!

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