I hear it in his voice. He is looking at the bloody remains of his dog. Non-hunters do not understand the trauma involved. Often, the dog is a companion, a friend, a treasure.
What does the dog owner do when his dog is shot?
Summary of do’s and don’ts:
- Take photographs from the first moment of trouble. Keep the photos; do not delete.
- Record the voice of the perpetrator if possible.
- Call the local Sheriff’s Department and ask for help at the location of the dog killing.
- Do not trespass. Wait for the law to arrive.
- Take photos of the dead dog, the people you see, the motor vehicles and license tags.
- Do not curse, threaten, or physically touch anyone involved.
- Keep paper in your vehicle, such as a notepad. Write down the time, date, circumstances, location, address, names of people present.
- Retain your Garmin (or other brand) tracking information. Do not delete.
- Provide to law enforcement information about your dog: the breed, age, name, and length of your ownership. If you are certain of the fair market value, advise the officer. If you are not sure, say you will get back with him.
- Fair market value will be used in court. Fair market value (fmv) is what a willing buyer will pay and a willing seller will accept.
- Make copies of photographs, Garmin maps of location, breeding documentation, etc. for law enforcement. Do not give them your original documents unless absolutely necessary.
- The District Attorney is the prosecutor of criminal acts. Criminal cases will be tried in criminal court in the county in which the dog killing occurred.
- You may file a civil case for money damages without the permission or involvement of the prosecutor or law enforcement officials.
- As soon as possible, speak with an attorney to ascertain your legal rights.
- Protect other dogs and other hunters by telling what happened to your dog and where it happened.
- In the entire process, do not post anything on social media that you would not want read aloud in court.
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