Pet Blog: March Aims To End Dog Shootings By Police

The organization "Freeze Don't Shoot" plans to hold a march at every state capitol Saturday to highlight officer-involved shootings of family pets.

The Minnesota chapter plans to march in St. Paul Saturday afternoon to address what they call an "epidemic" of shootings.

FDS claims that a dog is shot by law enforcement every 98 minutes in America.

The group, founded by Donna K. Earley, has been raising funds on their individual state Facebook pages by selling clothing with graphics ranging from a dog paw print with the group's name on it, to an unsettling image of a dog with two guns and the words "I don't think so."

Earley says her group wants officers to receive training to employ non-fatal tactics during dog encounters. FDS also pushes for thorough investigations of animal shootings.

Less than 60 people have indicated on the local group's Facebook page that they will attend Saturday's march, as of Friday afternoon. Outgoing St. Paul Police Public Information Officer Howie Padilla says his department was not aware of the event.

News of the march was also a surprise to Minneapolis Police Public Information Officer John Elder. He released the following statement about the tragedy of officer-involved animal shootings:

"Police officers are placed into situations where, at times, they must make immediate decisions based on only the facts that are present at that moment. The officers are mandated to make the decisions to preserve their own safety as well as the safety of others.

The decision to shoot, or harm, an animal is not made lightly, but at times must be made immediately. Officers have no way of knowing the history of the animal, or what the animal may do. Every threat must be taken seriously.

These are very sad and unfortunate incidents and ones that no one wants to occur."

Elder says he has a dog himself.

"Most of us cops do," he said. "And we love dogs."

The march will be held from 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. at the grounds of the State Capitol in St. Paul.

Click here for more information.

~Stephen Swanson

From pit bulls to pet rocks, Pet Blog covers it all. If you have a great animal companion story or a pet-related event that deserves a spotlight, email sdswanson@wcco.com.