This case has a different circumstance than the previous incident. In the other case, the concealed weapons holder basically threatened to kill his neighbor’s pets then carried it out. In this case, the shooter’s dog was viciously attacked by a 100 pound mastiff. The mastiff latched onto the shooter’s greyhound’s neck and had drawn blood. The shooter had attempted to remove the mastiff by force with no avail. He commanded the owner to restrain her mastiff or he would shoot. I’m not sure what I would do if my pet’s life was threatened but drawing my concealed weapon would be a last resort. In this case, it appears the law was on the shooter’s side. Actually, it was a city ordinance that protected him:
Colorado Springs: Discharge of a weapon
It shall be an affirmative defense to a violation of this section if a person discharges a firearm in an act of self-defense of the person, the person’s property or the person’s domestic animal.
This law is something entirely different that Colorado’s Concealed Handgun Permit. I would advise any CCW (carry concealed weapon) holder to check their local laws regarding this use. This was an unfortunate event for both pet owners involved–one lost her pet and the other was treated for severe wounds.
Just about every day I read on Google how a family pet has been shot by police. The usual scenario is police are responding to a call at someone’s home. The dog is seen as a threat then shot. The first thing I would do is secure your dog as soon as possible when you know police are coming. You may think your dog is friendly and not a threat but the officer responding may not feel that way. It doesn’t matter how friendly your dog is if they suddenly jump at the officer from out of nowhere. If you are unable to secure your dog please let the officer know your have a dog(s)–at least they won’t be caught off guard. Act as calm as possible with addressing the officer. If you’re excited or anxious both your dog and the officer may become excited as well–you want to prevent that as much as possible. Take an obedience class if you haven’t already. If you demonstrate control over your dog a confrontation will be less likely.