Prosecuted for NOT shooting a dog?

[Kennah]

Dave Workman reported this, and I have to wonder if this isn't political payback by the prosecutor against Lt. Harry.

Lt. Harry has been very active and outspoken in pro-gun politics.

http://www.examiner.com/gun-rights-in-seattle/to-shoot-or-not-to-shoot-when-an-aggressive-dog-bites

Retired Cincinnati, OH police Lt. Harry Thomas has a date with a judge next week for having discharged a firearm and deliberately not killing the dog that had a raging grip on his leg one afternoon last fall. When a local police officer arrived, he took a report and Thomas was subsequently charged with illegal discharge of a firearm.

Found this more detailed story.

http://www.wthr.com/story/13871884/carmel-man-fights-fine-over-gun-discharge-during-dog-attack

Carmel - A retired police officer is on the other side of the law. He says he was forced to defend himself during a dog attack, and now has to take his case to court.

Now living in Carmel, Harry Thomas is a retired Cincinnati police lieutenant. In October, his neighbors' two large dogs got through a fence, and according Thomas, who was armed with a pistol, one of the dogs attacked him.

"I pulled out the revolver and fired into the ground right here facing back into my yard," he said.

Thomas says that the dog biting his pant leg immediately released and ran off. He then called police who investigated, wrote a report and then issued the retired police officer a citation.

[markpkessinger]

1. Wonder what the outcome was?

The linked article is dated February 15, 2011 -- I wonder how it turned out in court?

I'd be very surprised if the judge didn't throw it out. In any case, that's part of a court's function: dismissing charges brought by over-zealous, inexperienced law enforcement officers.

[Kennah]

2. Going to court next week

[cleanhippie]

3. I guess the lesson learned here is :"Say that you missed".

Not against the law to miss, is it?

[iamtechus]

4. Sounds like the Carmel cop is a pure townie

There still may be farmers who use dogs to herd sheep and cattle like my grandfather did. If I complained that a dog bit me or threatened me, my father would first want to know what I'd done to provoke it. Sometimes dogs should be rewarded for biting people.

This story highlights a cultural difference, one that everyone should be sensitive to, for dogs' sake.

[RaleighNCDUer]

5. The law exists for a reason.

$5 fine and court costs.

And drag the neighbor in and fine him for not securing his dog.