It is now clear that all living beings are subject to the rule of law and also have the right to a free and fair trial in San Francisco. This became evident when a pit bull known by the name Felony Jack was on the verge of a death penalty after he angrily charged at a police officer. The pit bull was however offered a free and fair trial accompanied by his owner and the officer.The officer shot and wounded the pit bull in self-defence. The pit bull attacked the officer on the 27th of July this year. The dog is said to be 3 to 5 years old. The incident which was caught on tape happened at Fulton and Hyde street behind a white bus.
The officer, whose name is Gary Kunaboot, said that the incident happened when he tried to talk to the pit bull’s owner who appeared to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. Everything happened very quickly when the officer fired shots at the dog whose owner, Jonathan Reed then grabbed its leash. The dog, however, suffered a bullet injury in the ear which was treated after which the dog was taken to animal control. Mr Reed said that he did not remember his dog growling, snarling or showing his teeth as the police officer had claimed. He aslo said that the dog was not violent and that was the first time the pit bull had displayed such behaviour.
During the trial, an eyewitness whose name is Shannon said that Mr. Reed had been mean to the dog and even sometimes got physically violent with the dog when he disobeyed. The witness is also a dog owner. Another witness, Sheree Guthrie, however, disagreed with the first witness saying that Mr. Reed was not a violent person. In his defence, Mr. Reed said that he regrets not having the dog’s leash. He also acknowledged the fact that the incident would not have happened had he tried harder to control the situation. He also promised the court to have better control of his pet if they could grant him the previlage to have his dog back.
It was obvious that Mr. Reed was very close to his dog and as his testimony was very sincere. The Hearing officer agreed to give his dog back with a warning. Although the dog survived the death penalty, he now has a serious felony on his wrap sheet.
