Texas Officer's Poor Behavior Contributes To Dog's Death August 19, 2008

I'm usually pretty good at keeping myself from getting really worked up over situations, but I was filled with sadness and anger when I saw this video. A San Marcos, Texas, police officer stopped a man who was driving nearly 100 miles per hour down the interstate with his girlfriend because their teacup poodle, Missy, was choking. Michael Gonzalez was trying to get Missy to the emergency vet, but Officer Paul Stephens detained them for at least 15 minutes, and as this ABC News story states, 3-year-old Missy died as Gonzalez waited for the officer to issue a citation.

The video of the incident is absolutely unbelievable. Stephens seemed to show no sympathy for the situation—he even said, "It's a dog. It's OK. You can get another one. Relax."

A dog is a member of the family. I think anyone would be outraged to see how Stephens acted in this situation. I can't believe someone could be so callous when Gonzalez and his girlfriend were clearly in a state of panic to get Missy to the vet. If I were in Gonzalez's situation, I would have been flipping out, too. Wouldn't you?

Please write to San Marcos Police Chief Howard Williams, asking him to ensure that his officers are trained, and that departmental policies are amended or enacted, so that the community and its animals are afforded the very best quality of consideration in the future.

Seriously—I can't believe some people are this insensitive.

♥ Marta

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