Comments on: Dog Dies as Officer Writes Ticket – “Chill Out, It’s Just a Dog” – VIDEO

By: Hilke van Hove

Hilke van Hove — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 11:42:27 +0000

Thanks Susan, have written to Howard Williams just now. Hilke
@Susan S -

By: Hilke van Hove

Hilke van Hove — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 11:33:39 +0000

Thanks Admin to make all this possible, and thanks Susan for supplying email-address.
Have sent the following

Mr. Willams,
with all due respect I write to you concerning the police officer who failed to show compassion in a matter of live and death because it was only a dog, you can buy another one.
Somebody who neglects or mistreats animals is fined or goes to jail, this citizen did his duty.
The policeforce are there to imply the law. In this case this officer made it impossible for the dog-owner to do his duty. The dog died.
By repremanding this officer verbally only, you are giving the wrong example, it is a major set back for all the animal protection organizations, when the policeforce, who we rely on to protect when needed, does otherwise.
I sincerely hope you rectify this in the manner as to a public apology and any other manner you see fit. Maybe it would be a good idea for this officer to let him work with dogs, guiding dogs, police dogs, animal shelter, vet practice, whatever, to show him what a dog means for people, people’s BEST FRIEND.
Sincerely
Hilke van Hove

By: Susan S

Susan S — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:01:22 +0000

Check in at http://www.chron.com which is the Houston TX newspaper carrying this story. Sentiment posted by readers is very strong in favor of this one-man-power-trip officer being fired. Again, write:
Howard Williams, Chief of Police
SMPD_Info@ci.san-marcos.tx.us
to make your feelings known. The police chief did reply to me and express regret, but said the dog was already dead. I replied that this was not really the point! The officer — the so-called public servant, whom we pay with our taxes – told a sobbing citizen to “get over it – you can buy a new one”. I REALLY wantthat kind of compassion in MY police officers, don’t you?

By: Admin

Admin — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 14:19:17 +0000

@Jen - So far as I know, there's only been a 'talking to' and counseling. "Paul Stephens' supervisors found him not guilty of misconduct in the incident, the police officer was ordered to undergo counseling." The couple, needless to say, is not the least bit satisfied with the officer receiving only a oral reprimand and are pushing to have him fired. Most likely nothing will come of it but I ll definitely be keeping my eyes open and update if anything new happens. Jen, definitely with you, could never hurt one of these babies or even, as much as I think about it with some of these POSs, a person. There is something missing, like a heart, in people who can do these kinds of things to the innocent and defenseless.

By: Jen

Jen — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 14:01:40 +0000

Every time I read the updated comments on this and remember the story, it just makes me so sad once again for this couple…it was just so unnecessary for this to happen. Have you heard anything further as to what was done with regard to the heartless cop? Probably and unfortunately, nothing, which will be even worse to hear.
Just wondering.
I love your page, just these stories tug at my heart, so many sad things out there – it’s hard to believe. I could never (and I know I’m not alone) never ever mistreat a furry baby or human. Geeeeze, makes you wonder about the human race. Sorry…just thinking out loud. Can’t understand I guess.

By: Admin

Admin — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 12:01:13 +0000

@Hilke van Hove - How right you are Hilke, as usual!!

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 12:00:27 +0000

This officer was just enjoying his moment of glory when he pulled over a speeder. If the couple had a child or elderly person they were rushing to a hospital, would the officer have detained them? It’s jerks like him that give others a bad reputation. Most police are very nice and helpful, and this couple had the misfortune to get a “real lemon” who needs serious counseling and suspension from the force and pay a fine to the couple. Rest in peace little dog – you did not deserve this!

By: Sarah

Sarah — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 20:44:06 +0000

Man this story makes me sick

By: Hilke van Hove

Hilke van Hove — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 17:31:26 +0000

Maybe I am thick in the head, but isn’t a person held responsible by law to take care of a sick animal, and if he doesn’t he’ll get a fine or goes to jail. And aren’t police officers there to apply the law.?
And seeing the state the driver was in, this officer I’m sorry is better of doing admin in the office then being on patrol. Avoiding strong language here.

By: Admin

Admin — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 13:14:19 +0000

@Jeanette - I never know how much good it can or will do for the 'powers that be' to actually see how people feel about things like this. I know that the Chief has no doubt gotten massive feedback about it. You actually can email stories right from this site, just use the little email button under the story and Susan has so kindly provided us with an email address. We can only hope this is looked at as more than just a little 'mistake'. Will this officer's next mistake cost the life of a person??