Dog shooting inexcusable

Once again, I find it necessary to respond to another senseless, negligent and possibly illegal killing of an innocent animal. This time it was someone’s pet dog mistaken for a wolf (Spokesman-Review, May 23).

Are you kidding me? How many more must die before the penalties start to fit the crime? And, make no mistake, these types of killings, like poaching, are a crime and should be punished by forfeiture of hunting privileges for life, confiscation of the firearm and a hefty fine. Not another slap on the wrist.

Claiming misidentification as justification for shooting is a poor excuse and speaks volumes to the lack of training and common sense of these individuals.

My heart goes out to the unfortunate folks who lost a beloved pet due to the selfish and irresponsible behavior by someone who obviously doesn’t belong in the woods with a loaded weapon.

I also am a dog owner and take my responsibility as such very seriously. I love my dogs like the family members they are and will protect them from any harm or violence.

I wonder if I would have the restraint necessary not to administer some frontier justice if I found myself in the same situation.

Michael Gabbard

Spokane