Empire Control Room & Garage
Why Would You Approach an Aggressive Dog?
RECEIVED Fri., July 4, 2008
Dear Editor,
My heart goes out to Shelicia Fowler and Sylvester Easley, whose beloved pit bull Butter was shot to death by Austin Police Department Officer John Bryant [“Dead Dogs Don't Lie,” News, July 4]. Officer Bryant comments that pepper spray doesn't always work in these situations, yet he didn't even try to employ this nonlethal means. Officer Bryant comments that calls regarding loose dogs occur "anywhere from once a week to once a day," and yet there is no written policy instructing officers on how to handle loose dogs? It's obvious that APD needs to work closely with Animal Control ASAP. Shooting to death a loose dog needs to be a last resort and not the first trigger-happy response of an untrained officer. I think Ms. Fowler said it best, "Why would you approach a dog you know is being aggressive?" Yeah, why would you, Officer Bryant?
My heart goes out to Shelicia Fowler and Sylvester Easley, whose beloved pit bull Butter was shot to death by Austin Police Department Officer John Bryant [“Dead Dogs Don't Lie,” News, July 4]. Officer Bryant comments that pepper spray doesn't always work in these situations, yet he didn't even try to employ this nonlethal means. Officer Bryant comments that calls regarding loose dogs occur "anywhere from once a week to once a day," and yet there is no written policy instructing officers on how to handle loose dogs? It's obvious that APD needs to work closely with Animal Control ASAP. Shooting to death a loose dog needs to be a last resort and not the first trigger-happy response of an untrained officer. I think Ms. Fowler said it best, "Why would you approach a dog you know is being aggressive?" Yeah, why would you, Officer Bryant?
Timothy Verret
