Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Do Police always shoot dogs during search warrants. If the Police are annoyed at your barking dog while executing a search warrant, can the police shoot your dog?


Asked on 6/25/10, 11:10 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys

George Shers Law Offices of Georges H. Shers

The police can only use reasonable force under the circumstances known to them at the time. If they see an unleashed, unconfined pit bull, they have a legitimate concern as to being bitten. How much of a danger that represents is a guess, but a judge or jury probably would side with the officer. Under the law, the dog is considered to be just personal property so the compensation for killing the dog would be the cost of replacing it with a similar dog.

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Answered on 6/26/10, 7:01 am
Michael Stone Law Offices of Michael B. Stone Toll Free 1-855-USE-MIKE

I respectfully disagree with attorney Shers. Thug cops who shoot family pets have been held liable for significant sums of money in civil rights lawsuits. I would like to hear from you. But your ultimate probability of success depends on a variety of factors. As Shers points out, nobody is going to care very much about your pit bull.

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Answered on 6/26/10, 9:22 am
Anthony Roach Law Office of Anthony A. Roach

I agree with Mr. Shers. It depends on whether the officers acted in self defense, or were just being jerks.

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Answered on 6/26/10, 1:49 pm


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