ADT shoots family pet
Security companies are appointed to protect properties and the families that occupy them.
North Riding resident Feizal Dildar had the unfortunate experience of having his family pet Storm shot by the guard who attended an alarm at his house. He said, “I received a call from the ADT call centre that there was a panic alarm activation at my home. I was met outside my gate by a security guard who explained that he did not enter the premises and monitored from outside as he was afraid of the dogs.”
What happened next stunned Dildar. “I opened the gate slightly to enter my yard and my two dogs ran towards me as they usually do. The guard then started to panic and raised his voice, gesturing that I must immediately close the gate. The commotion caused the dogs to approach the guard who then drew his pistol and shot one of them, Storm.” He added that Storm turned around and ran into her kennel. “What shocked me is that the guard had a tazer and a baton but he chose to shoot instead.”
Managing director of ADT Central Region Clive Humphrey said, “His firearm was strapped to his chest, as is the normal set-up for our officers. He reacted instinctively, making the decision in split-seconds to reach for his firearm.”
Dildar said the bullet entered through the side of the mouth, shattering a number of teeth, then travelled down the side of the body, exited the side and went into the thigh muscle where it remains. The vet did not remove the bullet as it was not in the joint and wanted to avoid further trauma.
Humphrey said, “While the incident was very unfortunate, it was nevertheless important to appreciate that the incident was highly stressful. As soon as the owner opened the gate and released his dog, our officer had to react in a split second to avoid being viciously attacked by the dog.”
Dildar said, “I cancelled my contract after ADT refused to pay for anything. An offer was made to cover six months worth of security service cost, but it’s too little too late.”
The officer has been found innocent of any gross negligent, fraudulent or malicious conduct. Dildar concluded, “We cannot undo what has been done but I do wish security companies appoint staff who are able to work with animals.”
