Legal Question in Legal Ethics in Maryland

Can the police shoot my dog?

Baltimore City police received a call from a person that they were bit by my dog. The police officer came to my house and my dog went outside when I opened the door, does that give the police officer the right to shoot my dog? The person that claimed that my dog bit them was not allowed to file a report because there was no evidence of an attack. Also, the officer fired 3 (three) shots at my dog in a higly residential area less than two feet in front of me -- missing twice (once hitting my house.) The only one that hit struck my dog in the front paw then hit the concrete and fragments went into his rear paw. My dog then ran away and I was instructed to not go after him at gunpoint. I recently received a ticket for having the dog outside without a leash. The police department also refuses to pay for any portion of the medical bills that were incurred because of the shooting. Internal Affairs said that the officer acted accordingly and followed protocol. Is there any avenue that I can take to rectify this situation?


Asked on 10/03/06, 6:50 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
G. Joseph Holthaus III Law Offices of G. Joseph Holthaus

Re: Can the police shoot my dog?

If the dog was a threat to the officer then he/she can use reasonable force against the dog. I question why animal control was not contacted to assist the officer given a prior unsubstantiated complaint. Further information about this occurence should be sought especially concerning the discharge of a firearm when the sitution may not require such. You do not mention the breed of dog and this fact may bear heavily upon your matter. Contact an attorney for assistance.

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Answered on 10/03/06, 8:56 pm


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