Editor's Note: The News Bulletin’s Facebook fans shared their thoughts on an Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office deputy fatally shooting a Crestview dog while investigating a report of criminal mischief.
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Don’t pull a gun
A gun should be a last means by an officer. When you have enough time to turn on a light and track a dog you then have enough time to get back in the vehicle, pull a taser or even try something else physically. Assess the situation, listen to the man yelling for the dog, make an intelligent decision. Don't pull a gun because you have one.
Cody Long
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Can’t blame the officer
I love my dog and she is my family, but if one the size of most pits were to lunge at me, I hope I'd have my gun! Their size is what makes them so dangerous.
I'm sorry the family lost their baby, but I can't blame the officer.
Ann Ganey Walden
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No aggressive posture
I just saw the video and the dog did not have an aggressive posture at all! It looked like she was running out to greet him! No one will convince me otherwise. I work with rescue dogs and I am very much an expert on this!
That cop was scared and shot that poor dog for no reason! I stand behind the police and I always have until right now!
Mindy Roberts Dwyer
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Dogs and cats are like children
The heartbreak of having someone shoot your pet mercilessly is practically unbearable, especially when dogs/cats become like children.
It's gonna take a really long time to heal, and may cause PTS for awhile. Praying for comfort for the victims.
Jennifer Fetty Hopwood
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Why the dog is dead
Sorry, a strange dog comes running at me, I'm not going to wait until after it bites me to do something.
And I'm not going to wait to see what it's going to do.
I own four large dogs; when I take them out of the house, they are leashed. I have never had a dog "escape" in my entire life.
The dog is dead because the owners were irresponsible. It's sad and unfortunate, but that's the reality.
Michael Johansen
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This was uncalled for
My pets are my family. The officer could have used his night stick or taser — a gun shouldn't always be the first option.
I love our officers, but this was uncalled for.
The county should pay restitution for the loss of life, even though money could never replace this baby.
Marisa Quick Unless
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Taser would have worked
My dog is just like this one was. He is just welcoming you when he sees someone new. The dog wasn't being aggressive at all. A taser would have worked and saved a dog's life.
Teresa Huntley
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Further training needed
Life is important. Yes, the officer’s life is important. But further training for law enforcement on how to handle these types of situations in a non-lethal manner is absolutely crucial.
Melissa Willcut Woollums
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This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HUBBUB: Readers' thoughts on dog shooting fatality in Crestview