Not guilty verdict a blow to humane treatment of animals

MARYLAND -- Former Baltimore City Police Officer Jeffrey Bolger has been cleared of any wrongdoing by a city circuit court judge in the senseless slaying of Nala, a seven-year-old Shar-Pei dog ("Ex-officer not guilty in dog's death," Nov. 20).

Jeffrey Bolger

In exonerating Bolger of any culpability in this case, Baltimore City Circuit Judge Melissa M. Phinn has inadvertently welcomed what should be a backlash of negativity from the likes of PETA and BARCS.

Her ruling has given license to Baltimore City Police Officers to utilize cruel and overly-aggressive tactics in any future cases involving supposedly rabid animals.

Witnesses told police that as Bolger got out of his vehicle, he said: 'I'm going to f****** gut this thing.'

This entire incident should have, and could have, been avoided. It's just another blow to the gut of the tireless efforts of local and national animal rights groups that have the mettle to stand up and speak against atrocities such as this.

There's a saying: "When you tarnish one badge, you tarnish them all." This judge is an idiot. This cop is a psycho. 

Patrick R. Lynch, Nottingham

(Baltimore Sun - Nov 23, 2015)

Earlier:

• Second Baltimore City Police Officer Charged With Animal Cruelty In Dog’s Death
• Charges dropped against 1 officer in animal cruelty case