Dunbar K-9 Escapes Handler's Kennel, Shot by Neighbor
Dunbar K-9 Escapes Handler's Kennel, Shot by Neighbor Save Email Print
Posted: 4:34 PM Nov 18, 2008
 Last Updated: 11:59 PM Nov 18, 2008
 Reporter: Mike Waterhouse
Email Address: mike.waterhouse@wsaz.com
94 comments
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DUNBAR, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- A Dunbar Police K-9 dog was shot and killed Monday evening after it fought with its handler's neighbor's dog in a rural part of Kanawha County, according to Police Chief Earl Whittington.

The incident happened at about 6:50 p.m. Monday near Sergeant R.O. Conley's home in Tornado.

Chief Whittington tells WSAZ.com that the dog, Sgt. Angus, somehow escaped from his kennel about 45 minutes to an hour after Sgt. Conley brought him home and secured him in his cage.

The cage was not fully enclosed, but Whittington says it could not have been easy for the dog to get out through a small crawl space. He says Angus has no history of trying to escape the enclosure and believes something likely provoked the dog.

Angus then started chasing Conley's neighbor's dog and fought with it on the neighbor's property. Whittington says the neighbor came out and tried to break up the fight, but when Angus made an aggressive move toward him, he shot the dog twice with a shotgun, killing him.

The neighbor then called the police to alert them of the situation. He told investigators he didn't know it was a K-9 dog and was apologetic.

The neighbor's dog was bitten during the fight and the neighbor had some minor cuts.

Whittington says he doesn't blame Conley's neighbor for trying to protect himself.

"This is a bad loss for the city, bad loss for the handler," said Whittington. "Sad, sad situation."

Sgt. Angus had been with the Dunbar Police Department for the past two years and has gone through extensive training. He was assigned to Sgt. Conley his entire time with the department and was cross-trained in both narcotics and patrol.

"Sgt. Angus was 2 1/2 years old and was a very hard working canine and had quite a reputation for his keen senses and ability to find narcotics," said Whittington. "This K-9 team was very dedicated to the protection of the citizens of Dunbar."

Whittington says the city only had liability coverage on its insurance for Angus, not mortality -- so the city won't be able to recover costs associated with the K-9.

The city's one other K-9, a relative of Angus, is also cross-trained. Whittington says he's looking to get mortality insurance for that dog, and will begin looking for a replacement for Angus.

He says Conley was very upset after learning about his dog.

"It is very unfortunate that this situation has happened. Sgt. Angus will be sadly missed," said Whittington.

The Kanawha County Sheriff's Department is handling the investigation.

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Posted by: Concerned on Dec 13, 2008 at 11:05 AM
To: To Concerned on Nov 29, 2008 at 01:42 PM. How do you explain people being able to pet a police dog then? Police brought dogs in to search at my school several times and many people petted the dog. Real vicous huh? The dogs just don't go around attacking everyone. That is why the trainers are trained to work with the dogs. They are able to pep the dog up and get it to attack. This dog was going on pure animal instinct. Dogs fight all the time and there is no proof that he acted aggressive to the property owner. After he killed the dog of course he is going to say that to justify his actions. That doesn't mean it is true.
Posted by: Hello? on Dec 10, 2008 at 05:21 PM
They must have quit updating the comments on this story...
Posted by: To Concerned on Nov 29, 2008 at 01:42 PM
Concerned you are simply ignorant and have no clue about what you are jabbering. Read THE WARNING WRITTEN ON THE K-9 TRANSPORT VEHICLES. Think the officers are going to sic the dog on you just for walking close to the car or looking in? The dogs are TRAINED to BE AGGRESSIVE TOWARDS HUMANS and to obey the handler. (Some are even aggressive towards the handlers.) These are ANIMALS not machines, their PREDATOR instincts are honed and encouraged, thus they CANNOT be allowed the same freedoms most dogs enjoy. They are a HUGE legal liability. HE DIDN’T NEED A COMMAND TO ATTACK. He was off-leash, he was TRAINED and ENCOURAGED TO ATTACK HUMANS, and that is what he did. A VERY DANGEROUS ANIMAL was NOT SECURED. You don’t know anything about attack dogs, and have never worked with such dogs, nor assisted in surgery following the aftermath of such attacks. The neighbor’s dog would have been severely injured or killed. Either way: The DANGEROUS DOG, which WAS NOT SECURED, acted aggressively towards a human AS IT WAS TRAINED TO DO, and the human responsibly SHOT IT! The neighbor did NOT over react at all. He reacted the same as police officers would have done to YOUR DOG in YOUR YARD if they “felt threatened” if they came to your house (even if they were at the wrong address). The neighbor treasured his life and the life of HIS DOG which was maliciously attacked by an UNSECURED ATTACK DOG. The officer should be sued as well as the department for the negligence.
Posted by: Concerned on Nov 25, 2008 at 12:51 AM
To: Concerned on Nov 23, 2008 at 10:15 PM. The dogs are trained to attack humans ON COMMAND. They are NOT trained to attack other dogs. So saying that this dog is an "attack dog" means nothing because he was given no command to attack. It was nothing more than two dogs fighting and the property owner extremely over-reacted. If he had not intervened, one of the dogs would have submitted and it would have been over with in 30 seconds. Dogs fight all the time, it is their nature. They do NOT fight to the death all the time. Don't over-react, treaser ALL life.
Posted by: To Concerned on Nov 23, 2008 at 10:15 PM
We should "treasure all life" by protecting what is under our protection (the neighbor's dog in this case), and BLAST all unsecured ATTACK DOGS that menace us or ours.
Posted by: Why the confusion? on Nov 22, 2008 at 07:09 AM
Call ANY Law Enforcement agency, animal control office or lawyer and tell them: “I had a TRAINED attack dog. I secured him in his cage, although the cage is not fully enclosed, I’m SURE it could not have been easy for the dog to get out through a small crawl space. . . .” then say “He attacked my neighbor’s dog, in HIS yard. When my neighbor went to protect his dog, IN HIS OWN YARD, my dog went after him and he shot and killed my dog. Do I have a good case against my neighbor?” They will tell you “Obviously your dog was NOT SECURED or he wouldn’t have gotten out.” They will probably suggest that you get a good lawyer, because “An attack trained dog is a HUGE legal liability . . .” and how “YOU can be held responsible; for not adequately containing such a dog, and any damage he may do or threat he may make . . .”
Posted by: Concerned on Nov 21, 2008 at 09:18 PM
To Anonymous on Nov 21, 2008 at 08:27 AM: Of course the guy is going to say it "made an aggressive move towards him..." because it was the only way to justify his actions. Only one person knows the truth about what really happened. I have never saw a dog fight until the death unless it is a pit bull which locks on at the neck. Since I have owned dogs for over 20 years, I have saw many dog fights and they all end with one of the dogs submitting and it is over. In my opinion, the guy over reacted and he regrets his actions. Let it be a lesson to all. Don't let your temper make you do something you will regret. I hope the guy who did it sees the picture of this dog at the top of the story and it makes him sad, because it should. It could and should have been handled differently. Let this be a lesson to one and all. Don't shoot first and ask questions later. All life is precious and all creatures were created by God. Treasure all life.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 21, 2008 at 08:27 AM
hey concerned, he had a reason. it was attacking his dog. "Angus then started chasing Conley's neighbor's dog and fought with it on the neighbor's property. Whittington says the neighbor came out and tried to break up the fight, but when Angus made an aggressive move toward him, he shot the dog twice with a shotgun, killing him." so he had a reason. now if he would have shot the dog for nothing at all, that would have been different, but like his own child, and himself. he protected his dog and himself. and as a rule, do not break up a dog fight yourself becuase you will get attacked. some dogs will fight to the death.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 21, 2008 at 12:13 AM
you know i've seen dogs climb fences, chew threw chain link, etc..
Posted by: to. MELINDA on Nov 21, 2008 at 12:11 AM
melinda, they do the same to other people as well, and look at some of the things that get posted that are uncalled for.
Posted by: Concerned on Nov 20, 2008 at 10:04 PM
Posted by: To concerned on Nov 20, 2008 at 10:45 AM: Yes we will cross that bridge when it comes, and you better believe I will be motivated to kick some butt when someone kills my dog for no reason. Think about that next time you want to kill a dog for coming on your property you trigger happy, heartless person you. Kill my dog and face the consequences!
Posted by: cowboy on Nov 20, 2008 at 04:03 PM
Here is a dog owner that cares about his dog,when no one is home it is chained or in a fence where it cannot excape,if you have a good night dog it should be taught bounderies not to leave the yard,it should not bark excessively,only when someone is on your property,a good kick in the rear can take care of barking for no reason,and a good owner can tell the difference,furthermore when hunting season starts if your dog likes to roam the woods,i hate it when i wake up at 4:00am to go hunting on my property and dogs have already run all the game out,believe me triggeer fingers get itchy when this happens,so if you cant do these things you are either lazy or dont care about your dog or your neighbors.
Posted by: Michele on Nov 20, 2008 at 03:08 PM
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Conley family and the Dunbar PD. This is very sad to have happened to one our own. We should also remember the neighbor, he has not done this to harm anyone but to protect himself and his family. Sgt. Conley my husband has recently lost his k-9 partner and we are still grieving of Robby's loss. As you can see from the comment from Lee he definately cares and relates. Again, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Posted by: Tornado Resident on Nov 20, 2008 at 01:55 PM
Maybe Sgt. Angus smelled Drugs on the other dog and being trained it went after it ..Did they investigate in the house????Meth leaves an ordor doesn't it??And would stay on the pets?? Just asking
Posted by: Amy on Nov 20, 2008 at 01:52 PM
Oh and by the way, the Mastiff is in a fenced in yard just like my dog is, however, she jumped the fence and got in my yard. If a dog wants out it's going to get out no matter what you do.
Posted by: Melinda on Nov 20, 2008 at 01:17 PM
HEY WSAZ ARE U AFFRAID TO PUT WHAT I POSTED? ANY DAY NOW, IT IS THE TRUTH I DON'T CARE IF THE PEOPLE LIKE IT OR NOT PUT MY FREEDOM OF SPPECH ON HERE. OR I'LL RETYPE IT AGAIN.
Posted by: To concerned on Nov 20, 2008 at 10:45 AM
This is easy enough. Keep your dogs up, whether in a pen or on a chain, and we will have no problems. However, let your dog run loose and if it comes on my property and becomes aggressive toward any of my family, and I will kill it, guaranteed. So, it's up to you, the dog owner. I didn't buy YOUR dog, I don't keep YOUR dog, and I don't want to have to deal with YOUR dog. Will I kill it for being on my property? Absolutely not. Will I kill it if it becomes aggressive while in my yard? Absolutely. But, plain and simple, keep it at YOUR house and NONE of us has any problems. If you don't fulfill YOUR responsibilities, then we'll cross that bridge when we come to it, but you better wear your big-boy pants when you come.
Posted by: Anon on Nov 20, 2008 at 10:43 AM
Noelle, sorry but you are a sadly mistaken. A German Shepherd was attacking another dog on the man's property, then attacked him. Both would likely be dead, if he hadn't had a weapon with which to stop the attack. Dogs CAN and DO kill people. What kind of person goes into his yard with a shotgun? Obviously, the kind of person who wants to defend his pet's life, and live to tell about it. Garden hose? Please, give me a break. I'm sure in your fairy princess world with pink bunnies and fluffy clouds, a strongly worded "shoo!" would have sufficed in stopping the attack. However, the rest of us live in the real world, sweetheart.
Posted by: Frank on Nov 20, 2008 at 10:39 AM
Are you stupid? 7:00 PM in rural West Virginia, you hear your dog fighting with something not knowing if it's a wild dog, bear, coyote, cougars (they found tracks in Grant County) or God knows what else carrying God knows what diseases thanks to the exotic pet trade and negligent owners. Rabies is still a common disease. So don't write people off as hicks just because they have more common sense than you.
Posted by: Tyrone on Nov 20, 2008 at 10:33 AM
Any human or animal that comes on my property to do harm to me, my loved ones or property will be dealt with by whatever level of aggression is needed to ensure our safety. It's a sad story, but the fact that it was a "police" dog has no bearing whatsoever, just as it wouldn't matter what color a human aggressor was.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 20, 2008 at 07:56 AM
I like so many woman in this time and age. (crime B&E Rape) Don't feel safe. I now have a means to feel.. maybe just a lil better. A black German Shepherd 80lbs and growing... just the looks of her is enough to scare you... she has been trained and is loving and kind. The kids next to me love her as she does them.. We also have a small "yapper" and also a Golden... I love the GSD breed and it was just a dog fight that got way out of hand... my dogs fight, thats just what they do to show alpha. Don't mean Im going to KILL them... It stops in seconds and is done.... Was the dog FIXED leading cause of bites...
Posted by: To Mel on Nov 20, 2008 at 02:34 AM
So, your “dad was a MP dog handler”, and you insist that the use of a garden hose would have made one of your dad’s trained dogs back off?! Then your dad was urine-deficient working dog trainer! NONE of the one’s I’VE trained would have been discouraged in the least by a simple garden hose! But then there are incompetent people like your dad in every profession. The dog became aggressive with the neighbor; the neighbor reacted properly. Besides, what do you think Sgt. Conley would have done to YOUR DOG in YOUR YARD if he had stopped at YOUR HOURSE and “felt threatened” by your dog? Here’s the answer: http://www.examiner.com/x-536-Civil-Liberties-Examiner~y2008m11d17-Police-shootings-arent-just-a-problem-for-dogs
Posted by: Concerned on Nov 19, 2008 at 11:27 PM
Posted by: to concerned on Nov 19, 2008 at 01:15 PM: No I don't have a "little yapper dog". I have mixed breed dogs that are about 30 pounds. And yes, I would beat someone severely for harming any of them. Like I said, some people enjoy killing dogs and will kill for no good reason. If this dog was attacking a human, it should have been killed. If it were killing another dog, it should have been killed. I would be willing to bet it was just a dog fight and I haven't saw very many dog fights end with another dog dead. Usually that only happens with Pit-Bulls which lock onto the neck of other dogs. At any rate, I have had dogs for over 20 years and my dogs have been attacked numerous times. Guess how many times dogs I have killed? 0. And I own several guns too. Don't be gun happy people. Killing anything should always be the last resort. Exhaust all other options before you take a life. And remember, harm my dog and I will harm you. Plain and simple.
Posted by: MrObvious on Nov 19, 2008 at 11:02 PM
This is sad. The police dog was fighting with another dog...that is what dogs do sometimes. I think they like to establish who is top dog, so to speak. The homeowner comes realizes his dog is getting thumped on, comes out with a gun. The police dog, trained to jump on bad guys with guns, goes towards homeowner because that's how he was trained. Of course the homeowner did not know this and did the only thing a person would do in this situtation, protect themselves. Leave the homeowner alone. Also, do not blame the officer that was partners with the dog. I had a dog that could escape from anything you put him in or chained him too. He was smart like that. Dogs figure out how to escape, it is their nature. Stop blaming the cop.
Posted by: xxxxx on Nov 19, 2008 at 09:51 PM
can you say police brutality
Posted by: Lee on Nov 19, 2008 at 09:46 PM
Don't Grieve For Me Author - Unknown Don’t grieve for me I served you well. I loved you more than you could ever tell. I am now an angel in blue. I laid my life on the line for you. I wore my badge with honor every day, to keep citizens safe and out of harms way. so when you see a badge worn with pride, remember their comrades and friends that have died
Posted by: To Anonymous on Nov 19, 2008 at 02:42 PM on Nov 19, 2008 at 09:22 PM
In WV we have a law called "Castle Domain" (I think that's the right phrase)so yes we are allowed to shoot if we perceive someone is on our property to harm us or another person. I don't know the whole story like most of the people on here. I do know that I have a shotgun and handgun that I will not hesitate to use if I need to protect my home.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 19, 2008 at 07:06 PM
i have 5 dogs, and a big fenced in yard. we speak of kids tormenting animals, and i know this is true. i also know my dogs will bite when provoked, and have done so in the past. but if your tormenting my animals you deserve to be bit. stay out of my yard, and keep your hands away from my fence.
Posted by: Only Right on Nov 19, 2008 at 06:46 PM
Hey the property owner was only doing the right thing in my area if a dog comes on your property and bothers your pet the cops come out and kill it and it dont matter what kind or how old they have shot 3 month old puppys just trying to play with other dogs so why would the property owner not have that right. The dog was trained to be aggresive and it got out of its cage so this man done the right thing and should not be charged he may have saved some innocent person or a small child from being mauled.
Posted by: Stephanie on Nov 19, 2008 at 06:18 PM
My husband and I are friends of Officer Conley. I don't believe that is was in too big of a hurry to secure the dog. And we especially DO NOT believe that he was too lazy.
Posted by: j on Nov 19, 2008 at 06:06 PM
I have trained ogs for approx. 14 years. A police k9 is unlike your average house dog. These dogs have very high drive and go thru hundreds of hours of training. Not only is it possible for a k9 to escape an enclosure but it has happened several times in the past.The West Virginia State police lost a dog several years ago from the training center. I do not blame the handler nor the neighbor for this incident. I have not read the report that was filed and investigated by the sheriffs office so lets stop the blame game and and hope that the officer who i understand has been a k9 handler for 7 years moves on to continue to serve the community. I hope he will train another k9 to assist in the drug problem we have.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 19, 2008 at 05:27 PM
maybe one of the dogs was territorial? they will fight over that.
Posted by: Angel on Nov 19, 2008 at 05:18 PM
This is truly a tragic situation all the way around. I have dogs, including a German Shepherd. She is a wonderful dog. I hope that the neighbor's dog is doing well and I hope that the neighbor is ok too. I send my condolences to Sgt. Conley as I know how great a loss this had to be for him and the department. I know one has the right to defend oneself; however I find it hard to believe that the neighbor did not know that an officer and his canine lived in the neighborhood. That is one I just cannot believe, sorry. It is a sad and tragic situation for all. I just wonder if any charges will be brought since this dog, Angus, was considered a Sergeant.
Posted by: cowboy on Nov 19, 2008 at 05:09 PM
If you haft to shoot a dog,self defense or attacking livestock it never is a good feeling,as a dog lover i know, lighen up ya al.
Posted by: Correct... on Nov 19, 2008 at 04:28 PM
Look that dog is an officer, but it is a dog, an animal. If a member of my family or I am threatened by man or beast I will shoot to kill, especially while standing on my property. This is a sad sorry, but the police are making the right decision my not charging the neighbor with a crime. Self defense is not a crime.
Posted by: Thinkaboutit on Nov 19, 2008 at 04:09 PM
I cannot blame the neighbor at all for how he reacted to an aggressive dog on his property. None of us were there to say what happened or to say how we would handle the situation so until we are faced with something like this, give the guy a break. I'm pretty sure if this happened to any of us, our opinion would be much different. I think if the guy meant to be malicious, then he would not have called the cops in the first place. German Shepards are on the insurance's top 10 list of dogs that are not covered by homeowners insurance. Think about that folks, there's a reason for it.
Posted by: sue on Nov 19, 2008 at 03:06 PM
Looking for someone to blame? How about the trained police officer that was either in too big of a hurry to secure the pin, or too lazy to fix the hole. How about that? Put the blame where it belongs, on the dog owner!
Posted by: booger on Nov 19, 2008 at 02:55 PM
Note to morons: Police dogs don't run from water hoses... They also don't run from a slap in the butt.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 19, 2008 at 02:42 PM
Would we all be talking that the neighbor was in the right to shoot, If this was a human on his property, even better, a police officer off duty, came to his house and started a fight on the front lawn, are we allowed to shoot? And get by with it? The dog is an officer, and should be treated. What happened for to go next door, was the neighbors dog on a leash? Was he provoked? Dog's know no boundaries.
Posted by: KITTYCAT on Nov 19, 2008 at 02:16 PM
MAYBE SOMEONE SHOULD TALK TO BOTH NEIGHBORS THAT WERE INVOLVED AND GET THERE SIDE OF THE STORY BEFORE MAKING SUCH STRONG COMMENTS!
Posted by: Lisa on Nov 19, 2008 at 02:02 PM
I have a female german shepherd as well as a 2yr old. My dog is very obedient but she is an animal with a mind I can't control. I get disrespect all the time about having a "dangerous dog". Any dog is dangerous when in certain situations. This neighbor had to know his neighbor was a cop, thus he shot the dog instead of being logical. I'm sure he was afraid for his dog but really...there are other means of seperating dogs...I have done this before. I feel horrible for the handler. I understand the love we have for this breed of dog and cannot imagine living without her. I also want to remind people that you who jump at the chance to call animal lovers "bleeding hearts" you're kids are the ones provoking my dog and laughing about it the whole time. There should be laws about kids who provoke or try to injure pets.
Posted by: Debbie on Nov 19, 2008 at 01:53 PM
Very unfortunate situation, but dogs do battle over alpha dog status. It's a shame, but I don't know if I'd done anything different than the neighbor did. A person has a right to defend themself and their pet. Police dogs are highly trained and skilled but will often only defer to the handler and aren't well socialized. Sorry about it's death though.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 19, 2008 at 01:47 PM
I love animals, I do animal rescue foster care. I don't want any animal to be shot. But where in this story are some of you reading some of these things? With some of these comments you'd think the homeowner was sitting on his lawn with a shotgun just waiting for something to shoot. I don't think that sounds like the case at all. Chances are he looked outside & saw a large dog in a fight with his own dog in his yard. I wouldn't have gone outside without protection either, he didn't know the dog or who it belonged to, as he didn't even know it was a police dog. He attempted to break up the fight. I highly doubt a hose would have done the trick, but who knows what he tried. He did try though & when it appeared the dog was going to be aggressive towards him, he shot it. People here say good things about killing a human breaking into cars, but this man is looked down on because he killed a, at the time, aggressive dog in his own yard who was a threat to his dog & the man himself?
Posted by: confused on Nov 19, 2008 at 01:30 PM
This probably won't go over well,but i have 2 questions? 1. Why in God's name if it's was a trained 'attacked' dog wasn't more procauction taken to secure the K-9 dog? And 2? What is a Dunbar policeman doing living in Tornado? Don't cops have to live in the city they work and serve in? Or is that just Huntington? I am sorry about you pet. I too am an animal lover and have had other people's 'pets' come in my yard and killed my pet rabbits. I didn't then have the heart to shoot the neighbors dog, but now after I've seen stray dogs attack kids in my neighborhood and hind site is 20/20, I have no doubt, esp w/ an agressive attack dog (i think too if my neighbor had a k-9 dog i would know about it and try n contact them first, if their was time, b4 i shot) but if not I wouldn't blame the guy that had to shoot the dog. Who knows maybe he saved some childs life in the process had the dog left and gone on to roam the neigborhood and hurt or kill someone?Major law suit would have happened.
Posted by: to concerned on Nov 19, 2008 at 01:15 PM
What are you a person that owns a little heel nipper dog. A breed that could be eaten by a large house cat. You are so quick to beat up or kill a human but wouldn't kill an aggressive animal I think that there is something wrong with you. Are you an animal rights activist? These dogs are trained to not let go or stop attacking no matter what the distraction is. I myself do not condone killing animals for no reason but if the dog was attacking and made an aggressive gesture towards a human then they had every right to shoot to protect themselves. I live in the county and have had several strays in my yard I first try to catch them and turn them into the pound or if a collar has a phone number call the owner but I have had a couple of large breeds that have turned and became aggressive and yes I have put them down with a bullet and will do it again if the situation is the same. An aggressive animal always should be put down once it is on the attack before it kills someone innocent.
Posted by: JAMIE on Nov 19, 2008 at 12:37 PM
I BET THE NEIGHBOR WILL BE CHARGED MURDER OF AN OFFICER.THEY WILL TRY TO FIND SOMETHING ON THIS MAN TO GET BACK AT HIM.
Posted by: Captain Obvious on Nov 19, 2008 at 12:11 PM
Thankfully, he had a gun. Otherwise, he would've had to develop another solution to the problem at hand. Why ask questions when one can kill? Add that question to the second amendement.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 19, 2008 at 12:02 PM
I thought it was against the law to kill a k-9, aren't they considered pretty much the same as an Officer. Regardless of the reason the animal was killed. One of you stated that 75% of West Virginias carried guns, I believe it, it just brings out the hick in you all doesn't it? A gun is the answer to everything. You can kill animals, wild animals that you don't even eat. And when things heat up at home, you can kill each other.
Posted by: Pablo on Nov 19, 2008 at 10:46 AM
A sad story, but I think we should let the police do thier investigation before we all start blaming the dog or the neighbor. Remember, the neighbor didn't know it was a police dog and according to him, it was agressive. I have two labrador retreivers that I love and would do almost anything to protect them (especially on my own property) including killing an attacking dog. But like I said, let the police do their investigation. But no matter what, the city is out of a valuable officer. Is there a fund that we can make donations to to replace this officer (and yes, the dog was an officer of the department)?
Posted by: Teays on Nov 19, 2008 at 09:59 AM
How do you know this? Was you at the house? If not then it is gossip........ Just to add some more bling to the story!
Posted by: Sam on Nov 19, 2008 at 09:52 AM
Sorry, but if it was his neighbor, you would know the dog. And someone had to provoke the dog or it would never have attacked.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 19, 2008 at 09:51 AM
To: Posted by: Mel on Nov 18, 2008 at 07:12 PM ARE YOU REALLY SERIOUS! !!! A K-9 POLICE DOG that is trained to KILL A garden hose this isn't your average Toy Poodle !!!
Posted by: jamie on Nov 19, 2008 at 09:47 AM
anon, so you would let it kill your dog or child then, am i right? this was done in defense. regardless to what we all say we might do, we really don't know until we are in that situation.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 19, 2008 at 09:16 AM
I too would shoot the dog if it made an aggressive move towards me. I have heard here lately that German Shepards are starting to get more aggressive so people should start doing more research on ANY dog before making any final decisions. I bet that crawl space will be fixed now. All of mine were before we turned our dog loose within the confines.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 19, 2008 at 09:00 AM
i'm sure the neighbor loved his dog as much as the officer did! do you think the officer would not have shot a stray dog that was killing Sgt.Angus? people are always looking for someone to blame,sorry but this time you gotta blame Angus.I'm sure he was a great ANIMAL but.....
Posted by: hmmm on Nov 19, 2008 at 08:56 AM
don't know if anyone wants my opinion - but we used to break up dog fights with the garden hose and/or shoot the gun in the air.....................soooo sorrry!!!
Posted by: To concerned...again(and the rest of you libs) on Nov 19, 2008 at 08:24 AM
Did a dog come on your property and attack your dog and you kicked it?...Really? Come on, how old are you? In all seriousness, alot of these comments may come from people who live in a city setting, but I don't. I do not "enjoy" killing any dog, but as I said, I will not hesitate if the dog is threatening. I have neighbors dogs in my yard all the time. They get into the trash if they can get to it, they pester the cat, and run the deer, but I have never killed any of those dogs. The reason is that these dogs will leave if I slap my hands together. However, if one ever chooses to become aggressive, I will put it down, period. The HUMAN BEINGS in my family (and yours) are much more important than any dog (mine included). And to annonymous who said "that's why people shouldn't own guns"...you're an idiot who probably lives in the city and obviously has NO idea what they're talking about.
Posted by: TO NOELL on Nov 19, 2008 at 08:09 AM
HEY NOELL LETS TURN A GERMAN SHEPARD LOOSE ON YOU AND SEE WHAT YOU DO, IF U DONT KILL IT FIRST U WILL BE MAULEDVERY BADLY IF NOT KILLED! THESE DOGS ARE TRAINED TO BE VERY AGRESSIVE WHEN IN THE HEAT OF BATTLE. THIS GUY DID THE ONLY THING HE COULD DO TO PROTECT HIMSELF, IF U KICK A DOG OF THIS BREED U ONLY MAKE IT MADER ITS NOT GOING TO RUN OFF!!!!!!GET REAL PEOPLE ANIMALS ARE JUST THAT, ANIMALS!!!!!
Posted by: Larry on Nov 19, 2008 at 07:53 AM
The shotgun is much safer to use in your yard than a pistol. Liberals need to quit blaming the gun, the neighbor etc. I would not want to go into my yard and fight with a police dog. It was an unfortunate situation. The cop was liable for his dog. I would make him pay for the damages to my dog. "Who has a shotgun in their yard?" Probably about 75% of West Virginia...
Posted by: Bob on Nov 19, 2008 at 07:49 AM
The neighbor did the right thing. It could have attacked a small child.
Posted by: Noelle on Nov 19, 2008 at 07:18 AM
Any dog, make that any animal, owner needs to be responsible for their animal and that absolutely includes making certain the animal is securely and humanely restricted to the owner's yard. But who goes into their yard with a shotgun? Did this fool even think about a hose? Or maybe calling out to his neighbor? Or calling 911 before killing the dog? No, of course not, because so many people figure it's ok to shoot the dog first and ask questions later. Reparations need not only be made to the department, but this freak has no business owning a gun. Animal lovers like myself don't place the life of an animal "on a higher plane" but instead are concerned with the value of all life. If you live in a place where animals are allowed to roam, do them a favor and call a rescue organization; those of us who do rescues are more than willing to come and pick them up!
Posted by: ann on Nov 19, 2008 at 07:17 AM
To concerned I dare you to kick a police dog you wont have a foot to kick anything with dont you GET IT these are NOT your average dogs they are POLICE DOGS
Posted by: he should have thought on Nov 19, 2008 at 06:46 AM
That doesn't give him permission to shoot the animal. I have had a couple of gentlemen get into a scuffel in my yard, "Man I wished I would have known I could have shot them." The point is, crap happens, you can't shoot, just because they are fighting, You NEVER try to break up a dog fight. Hello Moron. I hope he is held liable. Notjust anyone walks around the house with a shotgun. If I hear a cat fight outside I don't run out the door with a gun.
Posted by: anon on Nov 19, 2008 at 06:42 AM
Hey Noelle, If YOU were being attacked by a dog.....I WOULDNT shoot it, cause that would be inhumane.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 19, 2008 at 06:39 AM
The loss of this K9 will be a hardship on the small police dept, the cost to replace such a K9 is way into the thousands. Do they plan on getting any type of funding to help? I think the man was very lucky to have came out with only a few cuts ect... This is rare for a K9 to behave this way, they are so well trained and under normal conditions don't cause harm to other animals. Just a sad story to hear, a bad loss for Dunbar.
Posted by: anonymous on Nov 19, 2008 at 06:35 AM
maybe you all dont know the full story! i dont know why that it wasnt told about another neighbor getting attacked trying to scare the dog away from the property that is when the dog got shot when it was attacking a person and had already attacked a dog it was out of control and why did it attack i thought a police dog would attack only on command what if children had been involved come on you guys ! how about someone tell the whole story ! what about the guy who the dog had a hold of his arm and would not let go did someone forget to tell that part of the story ? !
Posted by: BillB on Nov 19, 2008 at 04:54 AM
To Bucsbabe40 11/18 at 11:43 PM: I hate that the dog got killed but did you ever try to break-up a dog fight? It is a good way to get hurt very bad. Some of you who blames the neighbor needs to reread the story.
Posted by: CHURCH FAMILY IN KY on Nov 19, 2008 at 04:22 AM
I am sorry to hear about the dog,its sad,they become so much apart of your family and life they become like another child.I lost my beloved Dakota back in the summer he was a husky mix,he was in our yard to do his buisness and due to our neighbors dogs (4 on 1) comming on my property and attacking him and they fought him in the road and he was killed,one dog was hit but survived luckily animal control removed the two aggressive dogs, they now have two more that growls and barks at us when we are out side.It's sad that it takes a tradgedy to get help on protecting our pets and family.
Posted by: Concerned on Nov 19, 2008 at 03:32 AM
Dog's have came on my property and attacked my dog. Guess what? I didn't kill it. I just kicked it and it ran off. No harm, no foul. Some people enjoy killing dogs "just because they come on their property..." Sickening. If anyone ever kills my dog, they will be getting a beating. No doubt about it. Think before you kill. Don't be cruel.
Posted by: WB on Nov 19, 2008 at 01:33 AM
A TRAINED DOG ON THE LOSE ...NOTHING GOOD CAN COME OF IT!!!!
Posted by: Richard on Nov 19, 2008 at 01:25 AM
I hate that the dog was killed but the property owner had every right to put the dog down. I own 5 Goats And I also have a shotgun beside my back door with shells on a stand beside it to protect my goats from dogs I do not own a hand. gun!
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 19, 2008 at 12:36 AM
if a dog attacked one of my pets, on my property, i would kill is as well. official or not. i wasn't there, but i bet the neighbor was only acting in best interest for his pet being attacked. your pets become like your children. you will do anything to protect them. i am however sorry for both sides here
Posted by: Bucsbabe40 on Nov 18, 2008 at 11:43 PM
My question is why did the neighbor have a shotgun if he was trying break up the fight? Sgt. Conley is a very experienced handler and has trained this dog from a puppy. Even though Sgt. Angus was his partner, he was also very much a part of his family. I am so sorry for your loss Sgt. Conley. You are in my thoughts and prayers
Posted by: Strange on Nov 18, 2008 at 11:36 PM
The story says the neighbor acted in self defense, but had a shotgun. I could see a handgun, but who carries around a shotgun in there yard? If it was truly in self defense, so be it. If not, he should have to pay restitution for the loss of the dog.
Posted by: To Concerned on Nov 18, 2008 at 11:28 PM
He was protecting his property and himself from a dog that he didn't recognize. He had every right to shoot it if he felt that he was in danger. How can you say that you would kill a human being for protecting himself if your dog was attacking him. Shame on you, would you be thinking of the owner if you were being bitten? This man feels terrible about killing this dog especially since it was a k-9. I'm sorry you had to go through this and sad that this officer lost a partner.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 18, 2008 at 11:04 PM
this is a sad story no dout and this dude should pay for what he did to this dog..no matter what jimmy this dog was part of a police dept..i am sure the handler is sufferin enough he lost his best friend..this is why they should not just let anyone own a gun
Posted by: To Concerned on Nov 18, 2008 at 10:52 PM
Attitudes like your's are ridiculous. Those who have placed an ANIMAL on a greater plane than a HUMAN BEING have some serious issues with prioritization. These same attitudes are found in those who will let dangerous breeds such as pitbulls, dobermans, and german shepherds roam the neighborhood, and dare someone to say something about it. Well, 'friend', the day one of those breeds enters my property while my children are around will be the last day that the dog takes a breath. I am sick and tired of people who believe that their dog has 'rights' to be wherever it wants to be and do whatever it wants to do, with no regard to the people who can be injured. Before I give one the opportunity to harm one of my kids in what you would no doubt call a "freak accident" from an animal who "has never done something like that before" I will end the situation before it ever has the chcance to begin. If that makes you feel like giving me a "beating" or "killing" me, then bring it.
Posted by: Noelle on Nov 18, 2008 at 10:14 PM
Who shoots a dog? What is wrong with you rednecks?
Posted by: Concerned on Nov 18, 2008 at 09:25 PM
Too many people will just shoot a dog. There are other ways to handle it than that. Please people, don't be so heartless. Consider the feelings of that dog's owner. If anyone were ever to kill my dog, they would be seriously beaten or killed themselves. There is absolutely no exuse for it.
Posted by: ann on Nov 18, 2008 at 09:12 PM
what about the police dog that killed a dog in nitro? these dogs are not pets they are trained for this. So they do attack and kill or defend thats the training the neighbor is lucky the police dog did nt attack him. Sad but what else could you do?
Posted by: Jimmy on Nov 18, 2008 at 08:54 PM
He should NOT be charged with killing a police officer. The main reason is that the dog had no identification as a law enforcement officer. Secondly, it was self defense! On the flip side how did the neighbor not know that his neighbor was a police officer and had a police dog?
Posted by: wvmom on Nov 18, 2008 at 08:53 PM
Why are people blaming the handler? Full control over the dog? What do you do? Mind control? Officer Conley, if you are reading this.... please ignore the stupid comments by uncaring people who just don't like the fact that we have any law enforcement at all. The same for the neighbor who shot the dog. I would have done the same thing in your shoes.
Posted by: Claudette on Nov 18, 2008 at 08:28 PM
I really hate to hear about this. However, I CAN tell you, that no matter how tame and/or trained ANY dog is, when provoked, you can't IMAGINE what they will do to escape a FULLY enclosed kennel. I've experienced this personally, just here recently. My thoughts are with the officer that lost Angus.....I'm sure he's going to feel the loss for quite some time. The neighbor, having a dog of his own, will feel this loss also.
Posted by: Zee on Nov 18, 2008 at 07:51 PM
Too bad the handler didn't care enough about the dog to care for it. The officer is responsible for that dog's death. Too bad the cops are even worse at taking care of people. Maybe they should get training or something.
Posted by: SoSorry on Nov 18, 2008 at 07:18 PM
I'm so sorry for the Officer's loss. Unfortunately, it's also Our loss. We just lost a dog that has probably locked away a lot of drug dealers and would have been able to get even more drugs off our streets. I don't blame the neighbor for shooting him. But it seems strange to me that the K-9 got out of his cage. RIP Angus. I pray that they will be able to replace your position with another but that they won't forget you.
Posted by: wow on Nov 18, 2008 at 07:16 PM
LEASH LAWS! The person who is watching the dog has full control over the dog and is responsible for the actions. This dog is supposed to be trained, why did it escape and attack another animal? That could have been you or me that it attacked! Now do not get me wrong this is very sad. I am a huge animal lover, but K-9 or not it should still be considered as if it were loose from someones yard. If it was my dog that escaped and attacked someone, I would more than likely have to put the dog down.
Posted by: OH please on Nov 18, 2008 at 07:13 PM
it is a dog!put yourself in his shoes what would you have done let the dog attack you?
Posted by: Mel on Nov 18, 2008 at 07:12 PM
Has neighbor ever heard of a garden hose?? I feel sorrow for the handler and the dog. My dad was a MP dog handler and I know how attached to those dogs you get. I don't think the neighbor used his head in this situation.
Posted by: WVmom on Nov 18, 2008 at 06:53 PM
RIP Angus. I feel bad for the handler and the neighbor also. I hope the neighbors dog is going to be ok. I hope people aren't blaming the handler or the neighbor. It sounds like a bad accident that could happen to anyone. How many of our dogs have gotten loose when they weren't supposed to? It happens.
Posted by: Billy on Nov 18, 2008 at 06:24 PM
sounds like the neighbor need to be charged with killing a police officer
Posted by: Beth Ann on Nov 18, 2008 at 05:35 PM
Aww that is so sad. I feel bad for the officer who kept him. It is not the neighbors fault. I would like to know what provoked the dog and if someone was being mean and teasing the dog. Kids nowadays do that. I see them teasing mine quite alot, and have to run them out of my yard.
Posted by: Robert on Nov 18, 2008 at 05:04 PM
That is a really sad story. Sorry to read this.
Posted by: Ronnie on Nov 18, 2008 at 04:57 PM
The police treat and address these DOGS like they are people and or "Sargents". We can train animals to do things, but when it all boils down they are still animals and do what animals do. If one of these DOGS were turned loose on me I would do what ever it takes to eliminate it. By the way I have a dog I keep in my house and I love him very much, but he is a DOG.
Posted by: Cindy on Nov 18, 2008 at 04:55 PM
What provoked the dog, the neighbor's dog?? He did not have to kill him, this is the same as shooting a police officer. Unless this dog was poorly trained, he was provoked.
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