Legal Question in Legal Ethics in Michigan

Police shot a leashed dog while 1 other and 2 owners were in range of also being

My dog was shot in her right, hind leg and injured on her left by riccochets of

bullets fired by two undercover officers. They said they in pursuit of a

suspect and was startled by the dog when she ran toward them barking. The

dog never came closer then 5ft. and was on a leash. One officer shot at least

six shots at her while myself and roomate were in range of being injured as

well while walking our two dogs. There are witnesses that have said there was

no pursuit, the officers were walking, not chasing anyone. They startled the

dog as she did to them. My concern is that I feel six shots were uneccesary

and they put our lives in danger as well. There is a survialence tape showing

the dog was not an immediate threat to them. Also, they did not identify

themselves and we thought we were going to be killed as well. I thought they

were muggers or killers, not police. I was in fear of my life and had to witness

my pet being shot. Is this as wrong as I feel it is?


Asked on 3/22/05, 3:37 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
William Stern William Stern, P.C.

Re: Police shot a leashed dog while 1 other and 2 owners were in range of also b

This case is made more difficult because it involves injury to your dog and not directly to you. However, there may be some avenues for relief. Tort law is very complicated in this area. I think the best way to proceed would be to have the tape reviewed by some lawyers very familiar with police law. Give me a call to arrange for such a viewing. I'd definitely be interested. Generally, the civil arena is your only hope because the police are very well insulated by the local prosecutors. Bill Stern 248-353-9400

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Answered on 3/22/05, 7:09 am


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