STEP1: PRESERVE EVIDENCE
- Do not dispose of the body until a necropsy has been performed. A Veterinary University is best suited to perform the necropsy. Note: A vet can store the body in a cooler until arrangements for the necropsy can be arranged.
- File a complaint with the Police Department. This is usually done through the Internal Affairs (IA) Department. This will require the Police Department to retain any evidence and is VERY IMPORTANT! Note: The investigation will usually determine the Officer's actions to be justified so please expect that outcome and don't let it discourage your efforts.
- Ask any witnesses for pictures, or videos taken if available.
STEP 3: FIND AND CONSULT AN ATTORNEY
- When meeting with the lawyer or officials bring a friend with you if you are too emotional.
- Provide the attorney with the information you collected above.
- Do not dispose of the body until a necropsy has been performed. A Veterinary University is best suited to perform the necropsy. Note: A vet can store the body in a cooler until arrangements for the necropsy can be arranged.
- File a complaint with the Police Department. This is usually done through the Internal Affairs (IA) Department. This will require the Police Department to retain any evidence and is VERY IMPORTANT! Note: The investigation will usually determine the Officer's actions to be justified so please expect that outcome and don't let it discourage your efforts.
- Ask any witnesses for pictures, or videos taken if available.
STEP 2: COLLECT INFORMATION TO GIVE TO AN ATTORNEY
- Get a copy of the police report. It will usually be generated within 7 days.
> State Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Resources
> State Sample FOIA Request Letters
- Get a copy of the necropsy report.
- Write up a timeline/outline of exactly what happened, and stick to the facts.
- Make a list of any discrepancies in the police report if applicable.
- Obtain copies of any and all citations if applicable.
- Get a copy of the necropsy report.
- Write up a timeline/outline of exactly what happened, and stick to the facts.
- Make a list of any discrepancies in the police report if applicable.
- Obtain copies of any and all citations if applicable.
STEP 3: FIND AND CONSULT AN ATTORNEY
- When meeting with the lawyer or officials bring a friend with you if you are too emotional.
- Provide the attorney with the information you collected above.
- Try to find a lawyer with previous experience in your area.
- Ask for recommendations of lawyers in your area.
- Choose a lawyer.
- Have your incident reviewed by a lawyer.
- Decide if you want to take legal action (recommended)
STEP4: REPORT THE INCIDENT TO YOUR LOCAL ACLU CHAPTER
STEP4: REPORT THE INCIDENT TO YOUR LOCAL ACLU CHAPTER
- Contact your local ACLU Chapter.
DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME WITH THE FOLLOWING:
- Don't bother contacting PETA. They don't care although they may offer their condolences.
- Don't hold your breath waiting for an apology from the City, PD, PO, or LEO... it's a rare occurrence.
- Let go of any notion that the Officer will be held responsible for his actions.
(This is the hardest)
HAVE A SUPPORT GROUP
- Let go of any notion that the Officer will be held responsible for his actions.
(This is the hardest)
HAVE A SUPPORT GROUP
- Connect with others that have been through a similar experience.
- Communicate a lot with friends and family
PUBLIC PRESENTATION (Facebook, Lawyer, Officials, etc..)
YOU WANT TO BE SEEN AS REASONABLE & PO UNREASONABLE
- Do not blame or get overly emotional.
- Keep your anger, and expression of it private, and limited to your support group. (Legal implications)
- Do not use offensive language.
IMPORTANT LINKS & INFO
- Good legal info for Victims and FB Administrators.
- A Quick Legal Summary of Police Shooting Pets
- Review State Law & Determine Liability
- Detailed Discussion of Police Shooting Pets
- In the line of fire: Brown v. Muhlenberg Township and the Reality of Police Seizures of Companion Animals (Animal Owners' Rights Under the Law)
- Related Materials
- DOJ Report
IMPORTANT LINKS & INFO
- Good legal info for Victims and FB Administrators.
- A Quick Legal Summary of Police Shooting Pets
- Review State Law & Determine Liability
- Detailed Discussion of Police Shooting Pets
- In the line of fire: Brown v. Muhlenberg Township and the Reality of Police Seizures of Companion Animals (Animal Owners' Rights Under the Law)
- Related Materials
- DOJ Report
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