LOUISIANA -- Vermilion Parish Sheriff Mike Couvillon defends his two deputies who shot a charging pit bull last week.
On December 23, just after noon, deputies with the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to a complaint regarding a leash law violation.
According to a report filed by the deputies, after speaking with the complainant, they received information that a dog belonging to Brittany Meche at 2825 Orangewood Drive of Abbeville, was loose and in violation of Vermilion Parish Ordinance 2008-O-37. The complainant further stated that the dog was seen running loose in the neighborhood often and growls at people.
Deputies proceeded to the home of Meche to investigate the complaint. Upon speaking to Meche, it was verified that she did in fact own a white pit-bull dog but did not know if it was on a leash or not.
Deputies attempted to verify compliance with the parish leash law by looking around the home for the dog. Deputies observed a white pit-bull dog on the porch at the rear of the residence and in doing so, the dog jumped off the porch, running quickly toward the deputies barking and growling in an aggressive manner. Deputies shouted for Meche to restrain her dog, but the dog kept running toward the deputies barking loudly. Both Deputies drew their service weapons as a defensive and protective measure, firing a total of 7 shots at the approaching dog, striking it 3 times.
The dog was brought to a local veterinarian clinic and treated for injuries.
According to Sheriff Mike Couvillon, deputies have made at least three prior calls regarding complaints of a loose dog belonging to Meche (02/24/2010, 07/27/2010, and 01/11/2011).
“Our deputies understand that animals may get loose and subsequently pet owners may be found in violation of the parish leash law,” Couvillon said. “It is our practice to respond to and investigate these complaints and take appropriate actions, depending upon the circumstances (issuing a summons, filing of charges, having the animal picked up in cases of dog bites or if no owners can be found etc.). It is not our practice to shoot animals found to be in violation of this ordinance. However, our deputies are trained and authorized to use reasonable and necessary force to protect themselves from attack and/or injury, regardless of the type of threat.
“In this particular incident, I stand by my deputies and the actions used as a means to protect themselves from what appeared to be an aggressive pit-bull dog that was barking, growling and advancing upon them rapidly”, said the Sheriff.
Meche is being charged with Leash Law Violation which states that it is unlawful for any person to permit any dog owned by him or in his possession, or kept by him about his premises to roam at large on the public roads or public places, or on enclosed or unenclosed lands or other properties, unless such dog be in the immediate presence of the owner or keeper and under restraint.
(VermilionToday.com - Dec 30, 2012)