Justice for Ruby. An innocent dog shot by a police officer for an unknown reason.

To: Police Officers, Police Chiefs, Police Commissioners, Elected Government Officials, Animal Rights Activists

Dear Government Official,

There has been a recent increase in Police Officers shooting peoples pet dogs. Often, the shooting isn't warranted. These are beloved pets and should not be treated callously. The loss or injury of a pet causes the owner numerous problems. Not only do the owners...

Dear Government Official,

There has been a recent increase in Police Officers shooting peoples pet dogs. Often, the shooting isn't warranted. These are beloved pets and should not be treated callously. The loss or injury of a pet causes the owner numerous problems. Not only do the owners suffer emotionally, there is a financial cost associated with these shootings. Owners should not be burdened by this. Dogs that survive the shooting can have veterinary bills costing thousands of dollars. Let's also not overlook the surviving pets pain and suffering. Pets that do not survive the shooting have to be dealt with by the owner. The owner must see to the final disposition of their beloved pet. This too can cause a financial burden on the pet owners. These situations are unjust and no one should have to go through this. We firmly believe these shootings can be prevented. We suggest the following:

-Regulations that strictly outline when it is permissible to shoot someones pet. For example, only shoot if the officers life is in imminent danger. Certain criteria must be met for an Officer's life to be in actual imminent danger. A dog barking and growling does not place an officer's life at risk.

-Accountability for Officers that do not follow the regulations. Such as suspensions, fines, dismissal. It would also be foreseeable that the owners could bring a law suit against the Police Officer and/or the Police Department. This could be costly for the Police Officer and/or the Police Department.

-Additional training for Officers on handling situations which involve pets.For example, how to appropriately deal with animals in different circumstances and education on dog/animal behavior. Education on dog/animal behavior is crucial so Officers don't misinterpret a dogs/animals behavior.


We, the undersigned, implore you to take action immediately to prevent any further shootings.

5,000

3,639 people signed a petition

On 2/8/13 Ruby's owners were notified that the police were at their property because someone reported one of their 3 dogs was loose and off the property. When Ruby's owners arrived at their property they discovered Ruby in her doghouse bleeding from a gun shot wound. Ruby's owners immediately questioned the police officer why he shot her. The officer did not respond with an explanation. The officer became belligerent with Ruby's owners and even threatened to shoot her again.

Ruby DOES NOT have any history of aggression. Ruby's owners have never even seen her growl at anyone. Not even in incredible pain from her gunshot wound. Ruby's vet and the staff at the vet clinic refer to her as "the sweet Rotti". Ruby is a sweet and loving family dog. She loves to cat nap in the kitchen, play in the yard with her fur-siblings, and ride in the front seat of her dads truck on his way to jobs.

Fortunately, Ruby survived being shot. Unlike so many others. Unfortunately, the bullet is lodged in her shoulder. It is yet to be determined if Ruby will undergo surgery to remove the bullet. Sadly, at the time of the shooting Ruby was pregnant. There is an intense amount of concern for the unborn babies and if they will survive the shooting. Ruby should be gaining weight with pregnancy and isn't. She is under observation and it is a waiting game at this point. Please say a prayer for the unborn puppies that they survive without complications.

Ruby's owners want justice for Ruby and other dogs like her. They want police officers to be held accountable for shooting dogs when it is not necessary. They also want to prompt a change in the way police officers are trained to handle dogs. They want police officers to use alternative methods for handling dogs, without shooting them. 


Please visit Ruby's Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Justice-for-Ruby/518727404832749

Please donate to Ruby's legal fund so we can continue the battles:

https://fundrazr.com/campaigns/dSIT3


Thank you for your support!

Issues:
  1. Update #5

    Posted by Katie Moore (Campaign Leader) on Apr 8

    Good evening! Thank you for supporting Ruby!

    We need help! Ruby only has raised $105 to date for her legal fund. We DESPERATELY need more funds to hire the attorneys to get Ruby the justice she deserves. Please, even if you can spare $5, $1, every donation helps. 

    Ruby continues to recover and is enjoying life as a couch potato!

    Thank you!

  2. Update #4

    Posted by Katie Moore (Campaign Leader) on Mar 26

    Puppy update!!!!

    Tragically, Ruby lost all her puppies due to the trauma she incurred from the shooting. Please support Ruby's family in their time of loss. Like their Facebook page or donate to her legal fees so justice can be served.

    https://fundrazr.com/campaigns/dSIT3

    https://www.facebook.com/pages/Justice-for-Ruby/518727404832749


    Thank you for your support.

  3. Update #3

    Posted by Katie Moore (Campaign Leader) on Mar 26

    Please help Ruby's family raise enough money to pay for legal fees so they can get the justice Ruby deserves.Sadly, Ruby's family can't afford to fight this fight on their own. Please either donate or share her Fundrazr! Every dollar counts in this case! We want to take action and help other families so the do not suffer a similar fate.

    Donated monies will be used solely for legal fees and other related costs. 

    https://fundrazr.com/campaigns/dSIT3


    Thank you so much for your help!

  4. Update #2

    Posted by Katie Moore (Campaign Leader) on Mar 26


    OFFICER CLARK, BADGE # 8362  SHOT RUBY IN HER FRONT YARD PLEASE HELP GET RUBY'S STORY OUT THERE BY SHARING HER PAGE EVERYWHERE! THE MEDIA HAS NOT PICKED UP HER STORY YET. MAYBE IF ENOUGH OF US CONTACT THEM AND ASK THEM TO PICK IT UP .. THEY WILL

    OFFICER CLARK, BADGE #8362 SHOT RUBY, AN INNOCENT DOG IN THE NECK IN HER FRONT YARD... AND THREATENED TO SHOOT HER AGAIN, AFTER HER OWNER ASKED HIM WHY HE SHOT ...


    OFFICER CLARK, BADGE # 8362  SHOT RUBY IN HER FRONT YARD PLEASE HELP GET RUBY'S STORY OUT THERE BY SHARING HER PAGE EVERYWHERE! THE MEDIA HAS NOT PICKED UP HER STORY YET. MAYBE IF ENOUGH OF US CONTACT THEM AND ASK THEM TO PICK IT UP .. THEY WILL

    OFFICER CLARK, BADGE #8362 SHOT RUBY, AN INNOCENT DOG IN THE NECK IN HER FRONT YARD... AND THREATENED TO SHOOT HER AGAIN, AFTER HER OWNER ASKED HIM WHY HE SHOT HER!?

    (INCIDENT REPORT: G07-1312266)

    The family is filing a lawsuit in hopes that this won't happen to another innocent dog!  please help us contact the media and ask them to follow this story. ALSO PLEASE SHARE THIS PAGE WITH EVERYONE YOU KNOW

    PLEASE EMAIL AND OR CALL WTAJ, channel 10

    news@wtajtv.com  phone: 800-762-6053,  FAX 814-946-4763,

    NEWS DIRECTOR: John Mecham, jmecham@wtajtv.com, 814-942-1010, ext. 175

    CENTRE DAILY TIMES: cdtnewstips@centredaily.com.

    THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY, Stacy Parks Miller,  TOLD THE FAMILY THAT SHE CANNOT PURSUE CHARGES AGAINST THE COP THAT SHOT RUBY BECAUSE THERE IS NO POLICE REPORT...not true!! When they went to the police station to get the police report, they were told they cannot have it without a subpoena...not true!!  SOUNDS LIKE NOBODY CARES IF COPS SHOOT FAMILY PETS IN PA.


  5. Update #1

    Posted by Katie Moore (Campaign Leader) on Mar 11

    Thank you everyone that signed Ruby's petition!

    We could really use your support as well on her FB page. Please "Like" and "Share" it! We really need your help!

    https://www.facebook.com/pages/Justice-for-Ruby/518727404832749

    We are also trying to raise money for Ruby's family to pay Ruby's legal expenses. We just got started and feel confident you guys will help Ruby meet her goal.

    https://fundrazr.com/campaigns/dSIT3


    Thank you so very much for your support!

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