Source: Date: 2016
'VT Gun Incident':

GOV Analysis:
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Date: 6/25/2016Town: Hartford
VT Resident?: YesLaw Abiding Citizen Prior to Incident: Yes
Event Type: Self DefenseFirearm Crime: None
Injury Type: Animal killed
Actual Gun Use: YesGun Actually Fired: Yes
Domestic Violence: NOSuicide: NO
Details: An off-duty police officer shot and killed a pit bull at the Watson Upper Valley Dog park after a pit bull attacked the officer's dog.
Officer Logan Scelza, a 4 year veteran of the Hartford Police Department is being investigated.
Self-defense against animals is LEGAL in Vermont.
COMMENTARY ON THE WCAX PAGE by Jace Bunnell: "I have read all the comments. I was there in the small dog area, and saw it all. The police officer did everything he could to get the pit off his dog. He was down on the ground wresting with the pit and beating it with everything he had. All the while yelling, "Lady come get your dog. Lady come get your dog. If you don't come get your dog, I am going to shoot your dog." And, she did nothing. And the pit would not release his dog. What was he supposed to do? Just watch his dog die? And yea, the pit had his dog right by the neck."
The police report states that the Officer fired three warning shots into the ground before shooting the dog.
NO law will prevent crime. No law will stop criminals from getting guns. Gun Control only effects the law-abiding citizen and the politicians know it.

News Articles
Source 1: 6/25/2016: http://www.wcax.com/story/32308399/off-duty-cop-accused-of-shooting-killing-pit-bull
Source 2: 6/26/2016: Witnesses Say Off-Duty Hartford Police Officer Shot Pit Bull During Fight in Dog Park
Source 3: 6/27/2016: Officer shoots pit bull at dog park
Source 4: 8/24/2016: AG Set to Review Dog Park Shooting
Source 5: 9/14/2016: Read the Prosecutors' Report: No Charges Against Hartford Cop Who Shot Dog
Source 6: 9/15/2016: AG Clears Officer in Shooting

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Last Updated: 12/14/2022