How about that Clay County Sergeant killing that Dog in Eagle Harbor last week?

Maggie:

My initial opinion is "wrong" the dog should not have been shot. 

Unfortunately what most people do not realize is that once you set a boundary (whether it be a chain-link fence, privacy fence, invisible fence, or even the dreaded chain) most dogs will defend that boundary. 

I'm not defending Sergeant Punsky's actions, but most people do not recognize the difference between defensive behavior and offensive behavior. 

Dogs that are confined by invisible fence are easily identified by the collar with the transmitter box attached.  As for the "fence" itself, they are not always visible to humans.  I always look for the wire in the expansion joints of the concrete so I know where the boundary is. 

No fence is 100% guaranteed to be dog proof. 

I would not even doubt Sergeant Punsky's actions if this dog really was running at large and displaying aggression towards everyone. 

But that was not the case here.  This dog was properly contained.  Sergeant Punsky certainly could have telephoned the dog owner inside the house prior to storming onto the property.  Emotions adversely affect all of us at times, Sergeant Punsky let his emotions get the "best" of him.  

This is a perfect example of the difference between an A.C.O and a Deputy.  An A.C.O would have recognized the dog's behavior and proceeded in the proper fashion and  the dog would have been impounded for the required 10 day quarantine. 

The saddest part of this story is yet to be told.  Not only is the victim physically scared by the dog, she is emotionally scared by Sergeant Punsky's action.

Please go to:

http://spayusa.org/media/pdfs/Cats_Multiply_Pyramid.pdf

http://spayusa.org/media/pdfs/Dogs_Multiply_Pyramid.pdf

This incident was unfortunate for the little girl that stopped to say hello to the dog and was mauled in the face, the dog owners and Punsky. About 35 years ago this happen to by younger brother who tried to pet our family Boxer mix that had never displayed any aggressive behavior. Today some of the scars are slightly noticeable on my brother’s chin. My parents had the dog put to sleep the next day.

Put your self in Punsky’s shoes for a few minutes and let’s examine the scene.

The dog is in the front yard of a residential community that is not fenced, but has an invisible dog fence.

Was there signage to indicate an invisible fence was containing the dog? A neighbor of mine a few streets down has a sign posted at the beginning of his driveway advising that an invisible fence is in place.

The elementary school down the street has just dismissed and one child walking home has been bit. Are there more children walking this same path that could encounter this dog?

How do we know that Punsky did not try to call inside the dog owner’s residence?

If Punsky did call was there no answer inside?

Was the dog owner’s telephone number available?

Does the county ordinance prohibiting animal’s running at large address and recognize this type of fencing as being under the control of the owner?

The use of force will be scrutinized internally and that in its self will be stressful for Punsky.

Leaving your dog unattended in your yard secured by an invisible electric fence is no grantee that your dog can not penetrate the electric barrier. I have seen a neighborhood dog run through the electric barrier fence before to chase cars. He is no longer with us because the fence did not serve its purpose. I am not going to get in to all the other fencing options because I have seen dogs climb six foot chain link and privacy fencing. I recommend that if you are going to use this type of containment for your dog, it is best to locate the dog where the dog will not have view or access by the general public.

I can only imagine what Sergeant Punsky felt like after seeing the little girls grizzly injury. 

If he had acted in a controlled manner, he probable would not have shot the dog.  I'm only speculating, but my guess is that Sergeant Punsky's emotions got the "best" of him.

I don't know if he tried to make telephone contact, but I certainly hope he tried.

The county ordinance states that all animals except for cats must be contained either by fence, chain, leash or effective voice command.

Invisible fence is an invisible fence.  It is no different than any fence as long as it is properly maintained and the dog is properly trained to respect the boundary.   

I, personally, only recommend invisible fence to dog owners that already have a "real" fence and a dog or dogs that continuously dig out or climb/jump over, or to a dog owner that only lets their dog outside supervised by an adult. 

I, personally, do not like to see any dog left unattended within an invisible fence for several reasons including the one that you mentioned.  invisible fencing offers no protection from roaming or stray dogs which can result in a possible fight over territory.  Most often a dog will break the barrier and take the pain of the shock due to excitement, but rarely will the dog break the barrier and take the pain of the shock to return to the yard. 

Let this be a lesson to all readers...Never approach any dog in a threatening manner.  Never approach any dog, always make the dog come to you.  Please, Please teach your children, nieces, nephews or grandchildren not to kiss any animal. 

The Please go to:

http://spayusa.org/media/pdfs/Cats_Multiply_Pyramid.pdf

http://spayusa.org/media/pdfs/Dogs_Multiply_Pyramid.pdf