Petition to Change Police Training With Dogs Nears 90,000 Signatures

"I think this petition is a great idea. I'm tickled to learn that some 80,000 names on the petition," said Humane Society of West Texas President Mary Hatfield.

She completely supports a petition that would require more police training when it comes to dogs.

"I've watched the canine corps work with their dogs, and I think they already know a lot about dog behavior and how to control dog behavior and they play with them as much as they use them to stop problems so I dont think it would be difficult," said Hatfield.

Fort Worth couple Cindy and Mark Boling started the petition after their Border Collie Lily was shot by a police officer back in May. They want to change the way police approach to dogs, and they're not alone. Their petition now has nearly 90,000 signatures. 

"I don't understand why they have to reach for the gun first. Why can't they reach for mace or taser? And I don't understand shooting in a shopping center on the concrete," said Hatfield.

Hatfield says she thinks this training would prevent incidents like the one where a cop shot a pit-bull at a United Supermarket back in September.

Retired LPD Detective Roy Viergge says most police officers would love more training, but it comes down to the economics.

"What it boils down to is revenue, how much funds you've got. You've got to take time, take officers off the street or off their assignments to take them to the academy and train them," said Viergge.

Viergge says Lubbock police are already trained on how to use tasers on dogs, but it is up to each officer to evaluate the appropriate use of force.

"Its only in defense, if the dog was attacking a person or a kid, and there was no other way to get that dog off someone then you can use deadly force," said Viergge.

To view the petition visit: http://www.change.org/petitions/texas-police-stop-using-deadly-force-on-family-pets