Andrea Rosebrock 
There another dog controversy flaring up in Rushville, IN, a serious discrepancy over a dog shooting. Rushville Police Chief Ron Cameron says he shot a charging, growing dog. Neighbors who witnessed the incident said the dog was playing and wouldn’t get into the police chief’s car so he pulled his gun and shot the dog, not once but twice.
McClovin, a 2-year-old lab mix is dead today at the hand and the gun of Chief Ron Cameron. Owners Trudy Smith and Shayna Priddy said McClovin did escape a lot but on Tuesday afternoon he was on a new lead in the yard and they’re not sure how he got free but he did.
Animal Control called the police chief to round up McClovin and Chief Cameron called Trudy to come get her recalcitrant pooch, sadly she was too late.
By Cameron’s account; “The dog charged me. I turned and shot at the dog. The dog fell backwards and fell right over. When the dog charged me I was not going to stand there and let it bite me or take a chance of biting me.”
But neighbors who were watching the incident from about 300 feet away tell a completely different story.
“I was watching him trying to get that dog in the car and the dog wouldn’t go in the car. The dog kept playing with the other dog,” said Mary Harpring.
“The next thing I know, I see him shoot that dog two times,” said Rex Harpring.
“The dog was nowhere near him to attack him. There’s no way that dog tried to attack him. He knows that and I know that,” said Mary Harpring.
When asked why he shot the dog a second time, Cameron said, “That’s just to make sure he stopped, that’s why.”
Not only have McClovin’s owners, who say McClovin wouldn’t have hurt anyone, filed a complaint, so have the neighbors who witnessed the shooting and killing of McClovin.
So, is the Rushville Police Chief spinning a web of lies to cover up the senseless shooting and killing of a dog with a bad habit of escaping? Why would the neighbors disputer his story if it wasn’t true?
More and more we hear stories of dogs getting shot and most fo the time the old, “the dog was charging…. the dog was growing…. the dog was aggressive” lines are great CYA. The cops are found to have acted within reason and the distraught owners just have to suffer and grieve.
This is also not the first time that Rushville has been the center of attention when it comes to dogs. In November of 2007, there was the huge controversy when a live dog was found in the freezer four days after it was supposed to have been euthanized. Kind of makes you think that Rushville doesn’t think too much of dogs and the often typical “old boys’ network” that operates in many small towns just sweeps it all under the rug.
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The owners of the dog and the neighbors should take note of the investigation and firing of the police officer who shot Killer. And INSIST that this be investigated vigorously. Cops are relying too much on the *blue shield* to get them out of hot water.
seems that more often than not they get away with hiding behind the “blue shield”, eh?
Oh how sick I am of people who are there to “serve and protect” playing this CYA game. Fire the stupid sob! No retirement either. How they can lie, when there are viable witnesses is beyond me.
Ok, I know labbies, and they do love to wander. But, if he was a known wanderer, what the hell? And for this “officer” to say this dog was charging, oh please, in the mind of a lab, someone standing there in front of them is game for them – they just want to make friends. But, for this guy to say he did not want to get bit, geez, the mouth of a lab biting, is not a hard bite, as they were bred to retreive – they grasp firmly, they don’t bite, unless provoked and are in their protective mode.
I feel so bad for the owners of this guy. My heart is heavy because I know the love of a lab, and their devotion to us humans. RIP McClovin. There are no mean people at Rainbow Bridge. I am so sorry baby.
Like AIR said, the owners need to have this case investigated to the fullest extent. If Cameron is fired, then this could set an example for many, and hopefully, all law enforcement officers. I hate to say bad things about cops because many of them do their jobs well, but we just can’t let them get away with killing animals for no reason. Maybe they need an education program for officers that’ll teach them when to know when they’re actually in danger from an animal? Or do they already have one? Either way, I hope Cameron gets fired. He deserves it.
This is happening all too often lately! The same song and dance from the Milwaukee police when they shot a dog that escaped about a month ago. He was shot running back in the owners yard! “He was aggressive, he was attacking” which none of the spectators seen. The dog was running home. It is disgraceful what these officers of the law do and even more disgraceful what they get away with! People please keep your loved furry friends safely contained, because if they get out you never know when another rogue cop will shoot it.
Good for the people to continue with this , go get the idiot .Cop or not this should never happen , very few dogs actually attack
This man was supposed to protect us, whew! Gald I do not live there, have these people never heard of not shooting first, talk, does wonders. He must of already had a bad day and took it out on the dog, gald it wasn’t a child that want not get in the car. He seems the type that would shoot one. People that can’t deal with problems from kids, dogs, old people, what ever, do not need to be a policeman.. They undermind ever thing the goods stand for. The good policeman of this world should be able to do something about bads one like him. the same goes for fireman who shot their dogs. When you know you can not trust them then why call them…. The Police needs to get off his rear and be the police Chief.
Thats it in a nutshell, Whitecat! It is getting where no one can trust a fireman or a policeman. This is very scary. To think that we might have to call a protector to help us and be too afraid to call them because of what might result from these so called badged helpers (My God! The money they make and the cruelty they bestow). To not save our baby’s in a house fire (because they don’t give a damn about them), or have a dog barking and making too much noise for one to sleep and the jerk comes and murders it, instead of rescuing it from it’s fearful barking. I would think that the good ones would most assuredly want to protect their good name and go after their own kind that do such horrendous acts of cruelty!
WTF WTF WTF…….this is just going too far! I am sick to death of hearing of these cruel, heartless, “PROTECTORS”, behind a badge claiming to “protect and serve” the public (this is inscribed on many police cars these days). WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED TO PEPPER SPRAY?????? 99% of these dogs are not charging to bite….they are scared! This has got to stop! I hate being in this world of disgusting, hateful, cruel, uncaring, so called, humans. F*** em all! I wish death, a horrible, painful death, on every single one of them. NO MERCY!
RIP sweet McClovin. You did not deserve to be murdered!
This is terrible what happened to these peoples dog. There are many problems in Rushville with the way people are treated by this law agency. If administration does not change quickly, something very bad will happen.
Mark, something very bad has already happened. It will just escalate if the town does not band together to get rid of the scum on their force.
932 5705 p.o. box 1, rushville, in 46173, o.k. lets get on it and begin gathering facts, dates and who.
no more comments from anyone.?……what happened ?………
PLEASE KEEP THIS DOGS JUSTICE ALIVE…………….
The dog owners are totally responsible for this incident. If you can’t keep your dog under control or on your property, DON’T HAVE A DOG. I have a neighborhood dog who gets loose sometimes and he comes into my yard barking and acting aggressive. I would only shoot the dog if he came close and led me to believe I was about to be attacked. A police officer shouldn’t have to play a damn dog psychologist or behavior expert to determine if a dog is going to attack him or not. He gave the owner an opportunity to respond – the dog is dead because of the irresponsibility of the OWNER so the crocodile tears by them are worthless – the dopes need to LOOK IN THE MIRROR for the blame!!!!!!!!!!!!
I DON’T KNOW WHO YOU ARE OR WHERE YOU ARE FROM MR BAKER BUT…………………..YOU MAY CALL ME TOLL FREE FROM ANYWHERE IN AMERICA 1-800-317-2005…YOU ARE DEAD WRONG, PERIOD !!!!!!!!!!!!!! MARK MILLER P.O. BOX 1, RUSHVILLE, INDIANA 46173-0001
Mr. Baker, I have never seen you on this site before, so let me give you a few lessons in dogs and their actions/reactions.
I know labs, as I am the proud parent of 3 big boys, and specialize in lab rescue. Labs love to wander, to smell different things, and maybe they have found a friend in another yard. Labs are not agressive dogs, (and are usually in the play mode 24/7) and anyone who has seen or had a lab in their life can tell if they are in the play mood or in an agressive mood(which the only time I have seen my boys in an agressive mood is if someone they do not know and trust is near me-which would put them in a protctive mode for their mom).
Labs have this funny sense of humor, which most breeds do, where they will stand, as if they are on guard, but you can always tell if a dog is in a play mood by the actions of his/her tail. If the tail is going 240, they want to play, but in the same token, if a dog is scared, he might and probably would have his guard up. The actions of the tail would be straight up, with his/her fur ruffled. We teach our babies stranger danger, just as you would a child.
There are some towns and villages that do not allow fenced in yards, and as much as we try, as pet parents, to keep our babies in our own yards, they do slip away. This officer could have used a different means of trying to catch the dog, instead of murdering it. How about calling for backup, or the AC officer, or finding a neighbor or someone else to help catch the dog, or even a treat of some kind? I have helped the police in my town catch dogs that have gotten out of their yards, but never have they ever thought of shooting the dog/murdering the dog, no matter what the breed is.
Police officers should be trained in catching a stray animal. Yes, it is their duty, as in the phrase “to serve and protect” – there is no reason on God’s green earth that any dog who has accidentally gotten out of his yard, be shot and killed. Animals are all creatures of God, and they should be protected just as the two legged species.
If an officer or anyone for that matter, shows fear in catching a dog, the dog is going to pick up on those fears, and go in a protective/scared mode. It is a matter of how the officer portrays himself. This jerk was probably late for lunch, or ready to go home, so he took the easy route – murder, and he fits his story to cover his ass. Officers are there to be honest, and tell the full story, and the fact that there are witnesses to depict another story, tells me that this officer is nothing but a liar.
There is another thing, I dont know if you have noticed the title of this site. FOR THE LOVE OF THE DOG – what does that mean to you? The posters on this site have the ultimate love of animals, and we all are the voices for these animals, because they cannot speak for themselves. We, collectively, will speak for for any and all four leggers who have been mistreated, neglected, abused or murdered. You apparently do not know what the love and devotion a dog will give you. You must also be one of the most selfish persons who I have ever seen post on this site.
Get a life, and do not think you are going to win your thoughts and views on this blog.
do u have dogs, “mr. baker”? people ALL PEOPLE should b watching out for these awesome creatures. NOT shooting them. i hope n pray that NO dogs ever get close 2 u… police AND firemen SHOULD “play” psychologist AND behaviour ‘experts’……..McClovin was MURDERED by a man who is supposed 2 “serve and protect” HE DID NOT GIVE THAT DOG A CHANCE…..PERIOD! this jerk needs 2 b relieved of his position….permanently!
Thanks Dru, in my haste, I forgot to ask if he has dogs.
Listen up Mr Baker. First off, even you stated the dog in your yard is acting aggresively, yet, it has not come after “YOU”! Maybe he senses your crulety, and is actually, in fear of you, for what you might do to him! I can only say, thank you…one and all for your response to this complete idiot! Here, in my town, Mr Baker, there are NO fenced yards. We are a small resort town. A whole 4 square miles. Yes, we have a leash law, that we all abide by, with-in the town limits themselves. Almost everyone, knows everyone’s dogs. This IS a dog town. We do a ton of things year round revolving aroung dogs. In my 23 years here, I have seen one, yes ONE aggresive dog here. AND, even then, after he attacked my friends dog, I would not have even thought of killing it!
Many years ago, there was a yellow lab sitting on a mound of snow outside my bedroom window, howling and barking all night (I had to be up at 4AM for work). I called authorities (police) to come and get the dog. This is what this NEW officer, that is supposed to “protect and serve”, first words were, after shining a spot light on this terrifed dog…..”Do you want me to shoot it?”. I was shocked! Of course, I told him no, just get hold of it and find it’s owner. Luckily, another officer (long time female, friend as well), came out to assist. Ended up, this dog had jumped out of a construction truck out here and got lost. The owner, worked with me! When I was telling the story, she said, “That was my dog, Jake!” and told me what had happened. Jake was so scared and so lost (they lived at the other side of town). Again lucky for Jake, Officer “Wonderful Female”, was there and was able to coax Jake into her vehicle and took him to the station, where his owner was notified and picked him up. Thank God…..Officer “No Name” (don’t want to get in trouble for menitioning this jerks name), wasn’t the only one involved, or Jake would probably be dead! A lost, scared, Yellow Lab. I despise, despise, despise, this mentality from a person wearing a badge to “serve and “PROTECT”. They make me sick! McClovin, was scared….a 2 yr old lab! Your mentality, leaves a lot to be desired as well, Mr. Baker! I fear what you might do, if a “SCARED” dog were to come near you. There is a huge difference between fear aggression, and “TAUGHT” aggression…..AND, I say taught, because a dog is a kind soul, until a bad human teaches them different! You make me sick, as well Mr. Baker and need to remove yourself from this site and seek out one that defends these A**holes that wear a badge and murder!!! We do NOT defend this kind of crap here on FTLOTD!