Viewers Voice

Are pets property or family? Viewers sound off

By Colleen Hogan

CREATED Oct. 10, 2012 - UPDATED: Oct. 10, 2012

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  • Last year, the dog got out of his yard and blocked his neighbor's front door. Police officers tried to get him into a patrol car using treats but at some point, Boomer allegedly bared his teeth and growled at one of the officers, who then shot and ki Video by fox4now.com

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One year ago, Boomer, a 12-year old golden retriever was shot and killed by a St. Petersburg police officer.

Now, Boomer's owner, who's also an attorney, is filing a lawsuit against the officer and the city.

Last year, the dog got out of his yard and blocked his neighbor's front door. Police officers tried to get him into a patrol car using treats but at some point, Boomer allegedly bared his teeth and growled at one of the officers, who then shot and killed him.
 
And that has many of you sounding off, both on our Viewer's Voice line and on our Fox 4 Rising Facebook page.
 
Velda from Ft. Myers: "I was really appalled by the officer that shot the dog. The dog is like a family member and there's nothing you wouldn't do for your dog that you wouldn't do for your children. They need to get it together."
 
Andrew from Naples: "For them to shoot a dog because they show their teeth, that's ridiculous."
 
Sarah: "In my opinion, animals are not pieces of property. There's other ways that they could take care of issues like that, like making tasers for dogs."
 
NotCorbin Vanwinkle on Facebook:  "I love my dog to death, he's like my own little kid. But to avoid complication it should be property."
 
Colleen Hogan, reporter