Officer Shoots Rampaging Dog in Self-Defense
An Iowa Police Officer was recently forced to pull out his firearm and dispatch a dog that was running amok through a residential neighborhood. The officer, responding to numerous calls of a dog running wild, arrived on the scene and found himself face to face with a very hostile German Shepard. According to statements issued by the police chief, the dog was approximately one to two feet away from the officer and snarling. The officer felt extremely threatened and was forced to shoot the dog in self-defense before the animal had a chance to lunge.
Police discovered later that the dog was unlicensed and had no records of rabies vaccinations. The officer claims that the resident’s safety and the safety of a local mailman were his primary concerns when confronted with the animal. In this case, no one was injured; but when an unfamiliar dog is running wild, the potential for confrontation can be very high.
Laws regarding dog bites vary from state to state. In some states, the owner is only liable if he knew or should have known that the dog was aggressive. Other states impose liability regardless of the owner’s knowledge of the dog’s behavior.
If a dog attacks you or a loved one, quickly get in touch with an attorney who can help protect your legal rights and provide advice on the proper course of action. One of the experienced dog bite injury St. Louis lawyers at Page Law can help you learn more about your legal rights and options. Call 314 322-8515 for a free consultation or visit www.dogbiteclaim.com for more information regarding dog bites.
Source: http://www.heartlandconnection.com/news/story.aspx?id=430672
