Unless the residence was the same one that the domestic violence call was made on then I would argue you were wrong. If my neighbor's house was called on for domestic violence I still have every right to refuse a search of my backyard for my own reasons(albiet that would be suspicious, but possibly nesscary), unless you get a search warrant. Now if it was, as you said the original report isn't very clear, the same residence that would not knock my arguement, it would simply mean they may have been in the backyard legally. And I would still find the actions to be inexcusable. As for your response to your safety I agree, if I was a cop no one is going to stop me from getting home if I can help it. What Im saying is for that dog to seem like a life threatening situation you need to seriously reconsider your job or go back and brush up training. Because either you were not exposed to animals enough to have understanding capable of carrying out your job or you simply overreacted. As for my reaction to the SWAT incedent your right, I would most likely would get time for such reactions. But in all honestly this is where personal values and laws clash. I love my dog more then a stranger policeman, and just because your carrying a badge I don't see the authority for you to shoot my dog. In raids more so then any other activity there is more planing to subdue, if subduing a dog in a manner that keeps his life intact is a stretch of police capability then we have problems. Im simply saying there is a place and time where thier reactions may be correct. But from what evidence we have I feel these circumstances where not worthy of the reaction given.
