Don’t shoot our pets
It's understandable why people could be afraid of a dog bite.
We should be afraid of being bitten. When dogs bite with intent one does not escape lightly, no matter its size, and it hurts like few other things on this planet.
But when a trained security officer shoots in a suburban environment at an approaching canine threat, perhaps it’s time to look at options.
It is never, ever, necessary to shoot a dog. They have ears. Grab the animal by those and everyone is saved a lifetime of misery. Especially the animal. And it’s a lot easier than you think. Dogs zero in on a body part and once you have those flappy pieces of flesh in your hands, the snapping teeth can be held at an arm’s length until help arrives.
Shooting a dog is not an option. Use pepper spray or even a tazer if need be. Pepper spray is used to ward off attacks by bears in North America – why security officers are not trained in its use here is beyond comprehension. There’s no point in using CS gas because it is not chemically structured to affect animals, only humans. And it’s not terribly effective on us either.
Why don’t security companies have the addresses of residents with dangerous dogs? It’s almost a given that a person with a ‘Beware of the dog’ sign has a dog that will bite strangers, especially in Johannesburg. If there is no way to avoid it by jumping back in the vehicle, on top of the wall, or making a noise to scare it off, then take one for the team.
Shooting a dog is the mark of a coward. If a gutless wonder shoots someone’s pet in the line of duty, own up to it. Move him or her into the radio room. And make an offer to help with the bills.
Anything else is simply a **** you to you – and your dog.
