I'm going to start with something every responsible gun owner already knows. Just because you carry it doesn't mean you use it. A protection canine is the same. Having one doesn't give you the right to deploy it. It gives you the responsibility to know when not to. People get surprised when I tell them this, but the law has been treating dogs like weapons for a long time.
In California, an appeals court upheld an assault-with-a-deadly-weapon conviction where the weapon was a dog (People v. Nealis). In Massachusetts, a man was convicted of assault and battery "by means of a dangerous weapon," and the weapon was a pit bull (Commonwealth v. Fettes). In Wisconsin, an owner was convicted of negligently handling a dangerous weapon after his Rottweilers attacked a 14-year-old on a bicycle (State v. Bodoh).
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THE READING RECORD
Supporting References & Further Reading
This article records my findings, observations and professional standards. No external references are cited in this edition.
From my operational record
I have worked as an operational K9 handler since 2009 and have seen more than 44 dogs go through our unit's program. These articles draw on that work and the feedback I bring to our K9 specialists.
Applicable law depends on jurisdiction and circumstances. This article does not confer authority to use force or replace legal advice.
References support the specific subjects for which they are cited. My operational findings are presented in my own voice. Individual medical and legal questions require the appropriate professional.
