Shocking Video: Disabled Homeless Man’s Dog Was Shot by Ft. Worth Police

It’s sad to say that in America these days, it’s become all too common for the police to shoot dogs with little provocation. It’s also strange that it has become such a widespread problem. How could such a callous and shortsighted practice become the standard operating procedure in so many police departments across America?

I remember when I first started hearing these stories. They seemed to mostly stem from SWAT raids. The noise and intensity of those no knock raids had a habit of startling otherwise peaceful dogs, who in all likelihood were perceiving the armed men as dangerous strangers threatening their home (which I guess is exactly what they are). As time went on it just became a routine part of serving a no knock warrant. The dogs would always react in a threatening manner (because of course they would) so they would always shoot.

But now it seems like the problem has expanded into other aspects of policing, and often includes cops conducting ordinary police work. Case in point, two officers with the Fort Worth police department recently shot a dog that belonged to homeless man. They were in the process of removing him from where he was squatting, when this happened.

Graphic Video. Dog Shot at 2:43

I think I already know what most cops would say in response to that. Sometimes the homeless are dangerous. They often have mental issues and drug problems, so it’s not unreasonable to approach them with weapons at the ready. And that dog came running out pretty quick. It happened too fast for the officer to determine whether or not the dog was being aggressive.

That may be true. All I can say is, I feel like I’ve seen this before. That dog acted in the same way I’ve seen every dog react when I visit a pet owner’s home. To me, it looks like he was running out see who was outside, and nothing more. Since I wasn’t in that officer’s position it may not be my place to judge, but after looking at the dog’s approach and body language, I don’t sense any hint of outward aggression. Just an attentive and watchful dog doing what dogs do best.

I also find it very suspicious that the sound is garbled throughout the most important parts, and then suddenly becomes crystal clear halfway through the video. That’s an awfully convenient malfunction.

So what do you think? Was shooting that dog an appropriate response, or is this yet another case of a trigger happy cop shooting a dog for no reason?