After Dog Shootings, Texas House Approves Cop Canine Training

[Baz]

Lily was shot and killed on May 26, 2012, by a Fort Worth police officer who had never received training to deal with his fear of dogs.

On a May afternoon nearly three years ago, Mark and Cindy Boling were unloading groceries from their truck when a young Fort Worth police officer responding to a nearby burglary mistakenly walked down their driveway.

When the Bolings' 5-year-old border collie, Lily, ran to greet him, the officer pulled out his gun and shot the dog. The Bolings learned later that the officer was afraid of dogs and had never received training to deal with it.

On Friday, the Bolings watched as the Texas House voted unanimously for a police canine training program they have been calling for since Lily was killed.

“My husband and I have devoted every single day to making this legislation happen,” Cindy Boling said.

House members gave preliminary approval to House Bill 593 by state Rep. Nicole Collier, D-Fort Worth, which establishes a statewide training requirement for law enforcement officers to teach them how to deal with canine encounters on the job. The training program requires four hours of classroom instruction on understanding canine behavior, distinguishing between friendly and aggressive dogs and using non-lethal methods to defend against a canine attack.

The measure stems from a rash of dog shootings by police officers in Texas and across the country in recent years. On the House floor, Collier credited the Bolings for inspiring and helping to craft the legislation.

CLICKY




Some of you also may remember the very sad story last April about the Texas farmer, Cole Middleton, who was robbed and the cop who came out to investigate shot his dog, Candy, in the back of the head because Candy was barking. Mr. Middleton had to end his dog's life with his own bare hands because the cop wouldn't finish the job. Very troubling situation that should never had happened. Hopefully this program will help prevent future canine shootings from uneducated cops.

[mattdavis11]

Sad indeed. This bill needs to die in the Senate, but it probably won't. The companion bill in the Senate has been waiting on the House language, which will then be substituted in committee. Unfortunately, the chief of staff for the Senator has a fear of large breed dogs, just like too many peace officers do.

Why should the citizens of Texas pay to train peace officers that are afraid and can't control themselves around large breed dogs?

I think the problem could easily be handled within any HR department prior to employment. If the fear within the candidate isn't vetted then, introduce them to one during an interview.

Minimal cost to the tax payer.

[masraum]

It would be nice if something positive came from Lily's death.

I have to say, I would have a really hard time and not be terribly rational in the situation of the second story. I guess I would probably be too distraught or upset to react right away which would probably be good for me. Trying to assume the best and give people the benefit of a doubt, I'd like to assume that there's more to the story than we've been told or heard, but it would not surprise me too much to learn that is exactly how it went down.

[lowyder993s]

How long till we see a bill requiring spider training?

The 1st guy should look for a career selling women's shoes...the 2nd...I'm reminded of the song "5 minutes alone" from Pantera.

[fred cook]

The cop that shot Lily would have had to go change pants if he ran across my dog. He is a Great Pyrenees that weighs in around 165 lbs and greets strangers with a house rattling bark! If he had shot my dog, that would not have been the last round fired! Better that he get training or move to a safer job! Safer for him and for the public!

[wdfifteen]

God bless Mark and Cindy Boling.