Massachusetts Law Enforcement Network

Massachusetts Police News, Information and Discussions on MassCops

Posted by: CJIS

Does your department have a policy where it is ok for patrol officers to shoot a rabid animal?

---

Posted by: SOT

You have to be very careful in shooting "rabid" animals. Disposal and necropsy if it had contact with humans is essential.

---

Posted by: Delta784

We can shoot them, we just have to file a firearms discharge report to the chief's office.

---

Posted by: Opie

Quote:

Originally Posted by Delta784 We can shoot them, we just have to file a firearms discharge report to the chief's office.

---

Posted by: 94c

internal affairs has to come out also.

---

Posted by: JoninNH

We can not shoot the spring break kids. Sorry.

---

Posted by: USMCMP5811

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoninNH We can not shoot the spring break kids. Sorry.

---

Posted by: pahapoika

sounds like a question on the civil service exam.

an officer has arrived on scene to find a severely injured animal
he dispatch's it with a single shot to the head.

does this violate department policy ?

never did find out if i got that one right

---

Posted by: Irish Wampanoag

Quote:

Originally Posted by pahapoika sounds like a question on the civil service exam. an officer has arrived on scene to find a severely injured animal he dispatch's it with a single shot to the head. does this violate department policy ? never did find out if i got that one right

I remember this question on my first civil service exam 1988 LOL

Oh by the way the answer is

D. not enough information given to determine.
</IMG>

---

Posted by: pahapoika

Quote:

Originally Posted by Irish Wampanoag I remember this question on my first civil service exam 1988 LOL Oh by the way the answer is D. not enough information given to determine. </IMG>

RATS ! got that one wrong

---

Posted by: MSP75

Shoot it. Place a new round in the mag. Buy a coffee.

---

Posted by: kttref

We had to do a quick "Sick Animal" form after shooting the thing...we also have to dispose of it..IE, bring it to town hall. Also, can't shoot it in the head...that is all.

---

Posted by: radio2526

can't shoot it in the head? that's the best part...

---

Posted by: NewEngland2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by radio2526 can't shoot it in the head? that's the best part...

Wrecks the brains.

---

Posted by: kttref

If we need to test for rabies..no shooting in the head.

---

Posted by: pahapoika

can't find this story again , but it goes something like this , a brown bear ( out west , Montana maybe ? ) is struck by a motorist and the police are called to the scene.

the responding officer calls the local fish and game and they say "shoot it in the head".

the officer draws his .40 caliber service sidearm and places one round to the head.............which ricochets off the animals skull and the bear gets up and comes after the cop !

he runs to his patrol car , retrieves a shotgun and finally puts the bear down

---

Posted by: Irish Wampanoag

Double click on picture

This our training policy!!!

Steak anyone?

---

Posted by: SOT

http://www.avma.org/disaster/respons...euthanasia.pdf

Gunshot
A properly placed gunshot can cause immediate insensibility and humane death. In some circumstances, a gunshot may be the only practical method of euthanasia. Shooting should only be performed by highly skilled personnel trained in the use of firearms and only in jurisdictions that allow for legal firearm use. Personnel, public, and nearby animal safety should be considered. The procedure should be performed outdoors and away from public access.
For use of a gunshot to the head as a method of euthanasia in captive animals, the firearm should be aimed so that the projectile enters the brain, causing instant loss of consciousness.3,12-14 This must take into account differences in brain position and skull conformation between species, as well as the energy requirement for skull bone and sinus penetration.9,15 Accurate targeting for a gunshot to the head in various species has been described.14,16-19 For wildlife and other freely roaming animals, the preferred target area should be the head. The appropriate firearm should be selected for the situation, with the goal being penetration and destruction of brain tissue without emergence from the contralateral side of the head.20 A gunshot to the heart or neck does not immediately render animals unconscious and thus is not considered to meet the panel’s definition of euthanasia.21
Advantages—
(1) Loss of consciousness is instantaneous if the projectile destroys most of the brain.
(2) Given the need to minimize stress induced by handling and human contact, gunshot may at times be the most practical and logical method of euthanasia of wild or free-ranging species.

Disadvantages—
(1) Gunshot may be dangerous to personnel.
(2) It is aesthetically unpleasant.
(3) Under field conditions, it may be difficult to hit the vital target area.
(4) Brain tissue may not be able to be examined for evidence of rabies infection or chronic wasting disease when the head is targeted.
Recommendations—When other methods cannot be used, an accurately delivered gunshot is a conditionally acceptable method of euthanasia.14,22-25 When an animal can be appropriately restrained, the penetrating captive bolt is preferred to a gunshot. Prior to shooting, animals accustomed to the presence of humans should be treated in a calm and reassuring manner to minimize anxiety. In the case of wild animals, gunshots should be delivered with the least amount of prior human contact necessary. Gunshot should not be used for routine euthanasia of animals in animal control situations, such as municipal pounds or shelters.

---

Posted by: 209

The budget is tight... so if you use more than 2 rounds the Mayor will fire you himself.

---

Posted by: no$.10

The current policy in regards to rabid animals is: "Don't eat 'em."

---

vBulletin Copyright ©2000 - 2008, Jelsoft Enterprises Limited.
vB Easy Archive Final ©2000 - 2008 - Created by Stefan "Xenon" Kaeser