Poll: Should owners of dogs that kill people be prosecuted for murder?

Mister Bent · 07-24-2010, 08:37 PM

As Corkey states, murder speaks to the killer's state of mind and intent, neither of which can be known of the dog.

However, it's not the dog being prosecuted. The dog is, in effect, the "weapon." And just as a gun owner has a responsibility toward proper handling of his firearm, so does a dog owner of their dog. I believe owners of dogs that kill should be prosecuted with whatever laws are relevant to the circumstances. Unless it can be proved the dog owner intentionally used their dog to kill, I would think they should be charged with voluntary manslaughter.

Any dog has the potential to bite, but the natural drive, tenacity and structure of some dogs makes them potentially more dangerous than others, and carry with them a greater level of responsibility, on par with a gun owner's culpability for accidental discharge of their firearm. At the very least, increased owner accountability under the law might result in more responsible dog ownership and handling.

View Poll Results: Murder should be one of the available charges for dog owners that own dogs that kill a person.
Yes, dog owners should be prosecuted on murder charges.	16	31.37%
No, dog owners should not be prosecuted on murder charges.	6	11.76%
The highest level of criminal charges should be manslaughter.	17	33.33%
Other. Post comments.	12	23.53%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 51. You may not vote on this poll

07-24-2010, 08:37 PM	#4
Mister Bent Senior Member How Do You Identify?: . Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: . Posts: 2,905 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 4,151 Thanked 5,825 Times in 1,722 Posts Rep Power: 21474854	As Corkey states, murder speaks to the killer's state of mind and intent, neither of which can be known of the dog. However, it's not the dog being prosecuted. The dog is, in effect, the "weapon." And just as a gun owner has a responsibility toward proper handling of his firearm, so does a dog owner of their dog. I believe owners of dogs that kill should be prosecuted with whatever laws are relevant to the circumstances. Unless it can be proved the dog owner intentionally used their dog to kill, I would think they should be charged with voluntary manslaughter. Any dog has the potential to bite, but the natural drive, tenacity and structure of some dogs makes them potentially more dangerous than others, and carry with them a greater level of responsibility, on par with a gun owner's culpability for accidental discharge of their firearm. At the very least, increased owner accountability under the law might result in more responsible dog ownership and handling. __________________ Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin to slit throats. - H. L. Mencken Last edited by Mister Bent; 07-24-2010 at 08:42 PM.

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