A new federal ruling says that policy can shoot a dog if it moves or barks when office enters the home. Why?
This ruling happened because of a lawsuit filed by dog owners Mark and Cheryl Brown against Battle Creek Police Department and the city. Mark and Cheryl Brown's dogs were shot by police during a drug raid.
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The pair claimed that shooting the dogs was an unlawful seizure of property.
When the officers arrived at the house, after breaking down the door, one of the officers saw a large pit bull jump off the couch and lunged at him. Although it happened in a matter of seconds, the officer on the scene felt he was defending himself and shot the dog in defense, according to the lawsuit filed.
Shortly after, the other dog was standing in front of the basement door, barking. The officers felt they could not safely enter the basement and shot that dog as well.
The appeals court ruled in the officers' favor, saying that it was reasonable given the circumstances and that Browns' constitutional rights were not violated.
Specifically, the ruling stated, "[It] was reasonable for the officers to force entry because they had information that [a known gang member] used the residence to distribute cocaine and heroin, and they did not know whether gang members would be in the residence armed and ready to fire at the officers."
However, this now means that an officer can shoot and kill any dog that moves or makes noise when they enter the home.
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What do you think? Do you think that this is necessary to allow the officers to protect themselves? Or do you think there's another way? Let us know what you think! And don't forget to share this with your family and friends on facebook to get their opinions too.