I saved two dogs from being shot by police. They were lost, running scared on a busy road. I stopped to get them to the side of the road and managed to get one to come over. The other was so scared and confused, he kept going back on the busy road. Someone called the county cops and they responded. After not being able to get the dog to come, one cop said to the other, 'we're going to have to shoot it.' I said, 'WHAT! There is no way you're going to shoot that dog!'. It was the weekend and animal control was not working. They said they didn't know what to do. I was frantic. I asked them to please wait so I could go home and get another leash and some food to coax the dog over. They agreed, but I was scared out of my mind they'd shoot the dog in my absence. Thankfully, when I got back, I was able to get the dog into my car. The cops said they were able to take them to the county animal control. They asked if they could use my leashes and would return them. They did. And guess what? The dogs were friendly, just lost and scared.
I will never forget that day, and how quickly they went to use their guns - in a residential area nonetheless- to shoot a dog. I tried to work with area vets to develop dog kits for police cruisers (tranquilizer guns, heavy gloves, food, leashes, etc.) but the idea fell apart.
Ironically enough, that same police officer accidentally shot someone. I did not have kind words to say about him.
Those quick to shoot dogs often are (or become) quick to shoot their fellow man.
It’s an unfortunate observation.
Thank you for doing your part to intervene on behalf of those frightened dogs.
I love hearing stories like this. Well done!