A tragic situation went from bad to worse in Evansville, Illinois, after police who responded to complaints about animal neglect ended up shooting the dog they were summoned to help, WISH reported.Officers "say animal control had been called 16 times with neglect concerns about the dog. Police say t...

A tragic situation went from bad to worse in Evansville, Illinois, after police who responded to complaints about animal neglect ended up shooting the dog they were summoned to help, WISH reported.

  • cynar@lemmy.worldEnglish
    91·
    18 hours ago

    As a left winger, looking in from the outside, I’m appalled that you NEED to be willing to defend your home, with deadly force. I’m also confused about why you fight so hard against measures that would reduce both the risk and the fear. Given your gun laws, and the mentality of your police, I would be arming up for self defense too. I just don’t understand how large parts of america see it as acceptable.

    • shalafi@lemmy.worldEnglish
      1·
      10 hours ago

      For one, I don’t fight against gun laws, though most are between useless and counterproductive.

      Of course I need to have the means to defend myself and my home. For one thing, my wife and I are 54-yo and 250lbs., combined.

      • Ever had a bear wander in your dog door?
      • Ever had a couple of drunks about to rape your gf on a lonely creek? Kinda place where no one would hear your screams?
      • Ever been robbed in your home at knife point? (That was actually on me, could have never happened. And BTW, my roommate could have shot them. Decided it wasn’t worth the hassle. Good call.)
      • How about a wolf hybrid wandering in? (Loved that guy! Scared the crap out of me one night.)
      • Ever seen a hulking, male panther on (again) a lonely creek? Majestic. All I had was a 5" camping knife. They can swim BTW!

      I could go on for a bit, but you get the idea. Where I live, cops aren’t showing up anytime soon. And when violence comes, it comes fast. That’s rather the nature of the thing.

      In related news, I scared up a momma bear hiking last week! Thoughts ran: Wazzat? Deer? BEAR, COOL! (babies come galumphing behind) ralph_wiggun.danger.jpg. I’d do about anything to avoid shooting an animal, but my gun appeared in my hand, without thought, I was ready.

      When I go shopping? Hardly ever carry. At home, in the woods or on the water? Always.

    • Halosheep@lemm.ee
      22·
      18 hours ago

      What’s your plan if someone breaks into your home? Roll over and hope for the best?

      • cynar@lemmy.worldEnglish
        5·
        18 hours ago

        Depends on the context. I value my family considerably over possessions. Between my dog, a heavy object, and some basic self defence training, I should be fine to protect them.

        It’s worth noting that almost no criminals doing home robberies are armed with guns. Most don’t even carry knives. It significantly racks up the charges, if caught. Also, our police, while lack luster for most break ins, won’t be for an armed, aggressive robbery. I’ve seen their response for a simple gun sighting (it involved helicopters etc).

        In summary, and order.

        1. Nothing, since they likely target an empty house. (I also have home insurance)

        2. Scare them off. They want a confrontation even less than I do.

        3. Bug out. Then involve the police.

        4. Roll the dice on a physical confrontation. I’d likely do better with a lump of wood, or a knife, than a gun, at least a close range.

        I’m not looking to play hero. Things can be replaced, my life, family, and body can’t be.