Sunday, August 30, 2009

Rutland officer absolved of culpability in shooting of chained dog

Rutland police officer absolved of any wrongdoing in this shooting.

A police review says a Vermont officer was justified when he fatally shot a dog in Rutland.

But the dog's owner, John Ragosta, tells the Rutland Herald he's not convinced Officer Frank Post's actions were legitimate in the Aug. 7 shooting of his German shepherd, "Stooge."

The finding absolves Post of any wrongdoing.

Post and his German shepherd, "King Bricks," were called to assist state police who trailed a truck driving 97 mph to Ragosta's driveway. Police believed the driver fled across Ragosta's yard.

Police say Post's dog was attacked by Stooge. Post used pepper spray and he and a trooper kicked and pulled at the dogs in unsuccessful attempts to break up the fight.

Post said he decided to use lethal force after Ragosta's dog lunged at him.

Note: The Rutland Herald provided information for this report.

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