None of the dog owners here disagree with the notion of responsible dog ownership.
However, even those who have responsibly cared for their dogs (had dogs on their own property, in their own homes, closed up in a bedroom/bathroom or other side room have lost their dogs to Sudden Puppycide Syndrome.
For the sheriff to blame the owners of the shot dogs for being the victims of a crime is again for him to blame the rape victim for the assault committed against him or her.
It is not the victim who needs to take care, it is the assailants, and all who would cover for or defend them. Notice that the Sheriff did not return to condemn the actions pointed out to him by commenters to his blog after his rebuttal in the comments was resoundingly contradicted.
“closed up in a bedroom/bathroom or other side room”
I don’t think so. I have never heard of a dog secured in another room getting shot.
I have mostly heard of dogs being loose in the home or yard, where they rightfully belong. Often the LEO arrives unexpected at the wrong home. I am not disputing the overreaction of the LEO. I am simply saying that since I know they have a tendency to overreact I will be taking precautions such as securing my dogs in another closed room before anyone enters my house, or greeting the LEO outside my home with my dogs inside. Asking them to give me a moment to secure the dogs if they come in, etc.
I don’t want any possibility of overreaction.
I will use your rape analogy as it is a good one. I would advise my daughter to take precautions to avoid a situation where she could be raped - leaving drinks unattended, walking alone at night, going to a strange man’s home alone, etc. That is not to say that I would in any way excuse a rapist, but I know they are out there.