Daily Blend: 05/10/13

Fr. Anthony Musaala

Obama administration worsens their crackdown on state-legal marijuana.

Ugandan priest ^[pictured]: “The Catholic Church is still covering up clerical child abuse.” Catholic Church: “You made us look bad! You’re suspended.”
(via Freethought Blogs)

Why do police consult “psychics”? Because people are gullible and prefer false hope to realistic desperation.
(via @radleybalko)

And finally, PZ Myers schools movement skeptics about science and why their mindless dismissal of atheism as “unscientific” is decidedly unskeptical.

If you have any story suggestions, feel free to leave them in the comments or send them in.

Daily Blend: 05/06/13

Lt. Col. Jeff Krusinski

I’m too bored/lazy/busy reading/excited about tomorrow/tired from “work” to blog much, so here’re some links.

US Air Force officer ^[pictured] in charge of responding to sexual assaults arrested for drunken sexual assault, underlines the US Military’s generally appalling handling of sex crimes.

“Good Riddance: Fox Cancels Long-Running, Drug War-Glorifying, Abuse-Excusing Reality Series COPS”
(via @AndrewKirell; RT: @radleybalko)

Those who slime together, stay together: Anti-Freethought Blogs/Atheism Plus hater encourages Westboro Baptist Church to picket upcoming Women in Secularism conference.
(via Pharyngula)

And finally, how much do you know about science and religion? (I scored in the 15^th and 13^th percentiles, respectively. Which is probably more of an implicit condemnation of the US educational system than anything else.)
(via Bad Astronomy)

If you have any story suggestions, feel free to leave them in the comments or send them in.

Doggycide Roundup: 05/04/13

Crystal Falls, CA (04/14/13): Highway Patrol officer approaches a home, then immediately shoots & kills Osa the rottweiler when she allegedly “lunge[s] at his legs”. Includes a blatant lie by a Highway Patrol spox about how a dog wouldn’t be incapacitated when Tased or pepper-sprayed.
(via Dogs Shot by Police | Facebook)

Toledo, OH (04/22/13): Police shoot & kill a family bulldog after it escapes its chain and bites four assholes who were allegedly throwing bricks at him in his yard.
(via Dogs Shot by Police | Facebook)

San Lorenzo, CA (04/27/13): Deputies searching for a suspect approach a home, then immediately shoot three pitbulls that allegedly “c[a]me at the[m]”, killing one immediately and one later; animal control finished off the third. Family says dogs had never attacked anyone before.
(via Dogs Shot by Police | Facebook)

Statistics:
Shootings: 3 · Victims: 5 · Deceased: 5 · Survivors: 0 · Power Breeds* (dogs stereotypically maligned as “aggressive”: pitbulls, rottweilers, dobermans, etc.): 5

Doggycide Roundup: 04/13/13

Casmere

Walterboro, SC (03/20/13): Deputy searching for burglary suspect shoots Zazzie the Labrador mix when it allegedly ran at him, despite having reportedly never shown aggression before. Zazzie later euthanized. Department naturally “stands behind” the “self-defense” killing.
(via Dogs Shot by Police | Facebook)

Coral Springs, FL (03/24/13): Officers chase suspects into fenced yard with American bulldog that got defensive upon seeing intruders, then shoot & kill the “charg[ing]” dog.
(via Dogs Shot by Police | Facebook)

Sioux Falls, SD (03/26/13): Leashed pitbull allegedly pulls away from owner, “chase[s]” a young boy after allegedly biting three others, then gets shot after biting an officer who tried to force him into his patrol car. Dog was later euthanized at vet’s.
(via Dogs Shot by Police | Facebook)

Rock Hill, NC (04/03/13): Officer shoots & kills pitbull that broke from its collar and allegedly “charged”. Second pitbull killed by police department in the same week.
(via Dogs Shot by Police | Facebook)

Memphis, TN (uncertain date): Officer shoots & kills Marley the pitbull mix after he allegedly “charg[ed]” him and bit a painter. Owner unhappy with lack of non-lethal attempts.
(via Dogs Shot by Police | Facebook)

Detroit, MI (04/06/13): Police drug squad shoots five unleashed and “vicious” pitbulls in their fenced yard for being in the officers’ way. Only one dog ^[pictured] survives.
(via Dogs Shot by Police | Facebook)

Myrtle Beach, SC (04/09/13): Officers responding to domestic dispute allegedly bitten (but not injured) by, and then shoot & kill, family’s large retriever dog. Commenter claiming to be owner’s daughter disputes the police’s account in the article comments.
(via Dogs Shot by Police | Facebook)

Statistics:
Shootings: 7 · Victims: 11 · Deceased: 10 · Survivors: 1 · Power Breeds* (dogs stereotypically maligned as “aggressive”: pitbulls, rottweilers, dobermans, etc.): 9

Doggycide Roundup: 04/06/13

Rocko the German shepherd

It seems I forgot all about last week’s post. Mea culpa. Consider it a little reprieve, which ends … now.

Fresno, CA (uncertain date): Officers and a police dog chasing a domestic abuse suspect trespass into private yard, then shoot & kill Huera the resident pitbull when she naturally attacks the intruders.
(via Dogs Shot by Police | Facebook)

Greenfield, CA (uncertain date): Kids torment Rocko the German shepherd ^[pictured] in his backyard. Rocko gets angry, breaks out and chases kids away without attacking or injuring anyone, then returns home. Police arrive, shoot & kill Rocko in his yard.
(via Dogs Shot by Police | Facebook)

Chicago, IL (03/20/13): Middle-of-the-night no-knock drug raid results in Lokey the pitbull mix being shot & killed after barking and approaching the violent intruders. Owner maintains Lokey wasn’t aggressive.
(via @radleybalko)

Concord, CA (03/22/13): Police entering a homeless camp allegedly attacked by a “pitbull terrier”, shoot & injure the animal. Dog flees before being brought to a vet; current status unknown.
(via Dogs Shot by Police | Facebook)

Regina, Saskatchewan, CA (03/23/13): Police follow their K9 into a private yard with a chained pitbull; K9 and pitbull fight; officers fail to separate them, so they shoot & kill the pitbull.
(via Dogs Shot by Police | Facebook)

Auburn, WA (03/28/13): Officer investigating vandalism claim approaches home, allegedly gets attacked by Lala the pitbull who “jumped out of a window” and “growled” at him, then shoots & kills her.
(via Dogs Shot by Police | Facebook)

And finally, a palate cleanser: Another police department (this one in Arvada, CO) to receive additional dog behavior training to try and curb animal shootings.
(via Dogs Shot by Police | Facebook)

Statistics:
Shootings: 6 · Victims: 6 · Deceased: 5 · Survivors: 1 · Power Breeds* (dogs stereotypically maligned as “aggressive”: pitbulls, rottweilers, dobermans, etc.): 5

Doggycide Roundup: 03/23/13

Midwest City, OK (uncertain date): Bounty hunter shoots & kills “aggressive” family black Lab, then tazes its distraught owner in the chest.
(via Dogs Shot by Police | Facebook)

Indianapolis, IN (uncertain date): Typically sparse police report states dog was shot and killed during an investigation into a shooting that left two men hospitalized.
(via Dogs Shot by Police | Facebook)

Rochester, NY (?03/15/13?): Patrolling officer reportedly shoots & wounds Choco the pitbull terrier after apparently confusing his excitement for aggressiveness. Family stuck with $1,200 vet bill.
(via Dogs Shot by Police | Facebook)

Delta, British Columbia, CA (03/16/13): Officers on a routine patrol reportedly attacked by two pitbulls, use a baton to force one to flee and shoot & kill the other. Officers treated for injuries. All seems to indicate a proper escalation of force.
(via Rob F)

Newport, VA (03/20/13): Pitbull shot by police and later euthanized by owner after allegedly “nipped” two children.
(via Dogs Shot by Police | Facebook)

Allamakee County, IA (03/20/13): Another spotty police report says deputy shot & killed “attack[ing]” “pitbull” during drug raid. Lots of arguing in the comments.
(via Dogs Shot by Police | Facebook)

Statistics:
Shootings: 6 · Victims: 7 · Deceased: 5 · Survivors: 2 · Power Breeds* (dogs stereotypically maligned as “aggressive”: pitbulls, rottweilers, dobermans, etc.): 5

EDIT: 03/24/13 1:17 PM ET – Edited to add clickable “hidden note” for “Power Breeds”.

Washington drug dogs retrained to ignore marijuana

Sign of the times: Drug-sniffing dogs are about to have a lot more free time in Washington State now that recreational pot has been legalized, as police departments are already starting to adapt their training:

The passage of I-502 made things difficult enough for the humans tasked with creating and enforcing the laws for legal marijuana. Now, try explaining the difference between "personal use" and "intent to sell" or the gray area between state and federal law to a dog.

That's why many law-enforcement agencies around the state, including the Seattle Police Department and Washington State Patrol, will no longer be training their drug-sniffing dogs to alert for marijuana.

“Moving forward, it makes most sense not to train dogs to alert to marijuana as that would likely lead to unwarranted investigatory detentions of people who are not breaking any law," said Alison Holcomb, author of I-502 and drug policy director for the American Civil Liberties Union.

The Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys sent out a memo advising the state's law-enforcement agencies that narcotics dogs are no longer required to be trained to alert for marijuana in December. And, marijuana was removed from the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission's Canine Performance Standards test in January.

Such a move is made particularly relevant in the wake of the gob-smackingly bad Supreme Court ruling in February that essentially declared drug-detection dogs to be “probable cause on a leash” despite their craptacular track record (which often results from human vice).

Doggycide Roundup: 03/16/13

Timber & Harley (RIP)

Double-hit in Châteauguay, Qc, Canada (02/27/13): Animal control fail to disentangle two dogs ^[pictured] (without any equipment), call in police, who promptly shoot & kill both. Turns out they were just caught on a chain.
(via Dogs Shot by Police | Facebook)

Double-header in Ogden, UT (unknown & 03/08/13): Officers shoot & kill dogs in two separate incidents, with confusing mix of excuses and eyewitness testimonials.
(via Dogs Shot by Police | Facebook)

Averted in Boston, MA (03/12/13): Off-duty officer draws her gun when unleashed dog approaches her pug “in an aggressive manner” in a dog park.
(via Dogs Shot by Police | Facebook)

Statistics:
Shootings: 3
Victims: 4
Deceased: 4 (100%)
Survivors: 0 (0%)
Pitbull index: 0 (0%)

Daily Blend: 03/15/13

Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH)

Catholic Church in Joliet, Illinois forced to release thousands of internal documents that “reportedly show every bishop since the 1950s has been aware of diocese priests sexually abusing children”. I can hear Bill Donohue preparing his “old news” stamp already.
(via @jennifurret)

Ironically named National Vaccination Information Center launches anti-vaccination billboards in four states. Not sure why Phil Plait expects the same company that proudly hosts Rush Limbaugh to apologize for, well, anything.

Why police officers shouldn’t be automatically believed (especially by the courts).

Republican Sen. Rob Portman (Ohio) ^[pictured] becomes latest example that the best way to get someone to drop their homophobia is for them to know a gay person.
(via Joe. My. God. & @BuzzFeedAndrew)

Information is Beautiful on the major causes of death in the 20^th Century. Is it just me, or does cancer seem disproportionately large?

If you have any story suggestions, feel free to leave them in the comments or send them in.

Doggycide Roundup: 03/09/13

Ofc. Cora

Romeoville, IL (02/19/13): Officer shoots & wounds allegedly “aggressive” loose family dog, shoots again to try and kill it out of mercy but fails. Dog is eventually euthanized at the vet’s. Investigation is underway.
(via Dogs Shot by Police | Facebook)

Pagosa Springs, CO (02/25/13): Cop checking out allegedly “aggressive” dogs at large shoots Rebel, who is later euthanized for his injuries. Witnesses dispute officer’s account.
(via Dogs Shot by Police | Facebook)

Fishers, IN (02/26/13): U.S. marshal confronted by Reese the tiny rat terrier barking at him, immediately shoots & wounds her, gets cleared of wrongdoing for “self-defense”. Owners stuck with $10,000 vet bills.
(via Dogs Shot by Police | Facebook)

Boston, IL (02/28/13): Thorough and informative police report says an officer shot a dog. Reason? Breed? Animal’s status? Witnesses? Bah, that’s not reporting.
(via Dogs Shot by Police | Facebook)

Lawrence, MA (03/01/13): Cop somehow confuses a (allegedly “aggressive”) Shar-Pei for a pitbull, shoots & kills it.
(via Dogs Shot by Police | Facebook)

Moss Point, MS (03/05/13): Police conducting drug search shoot & wound Cora the K-9 German shepherd ^[pictured] “after she was mistaken for a vicious dog”. There’s a certain irony to that, really.
(via Dogs Shot by Police | Facebook)

And finally, some good news: Two Colorado senators introduce a bill requiring police to undergo training for dealing with dogs.
(via Dogs Shot by Police | Facebook)

Statistics:
Shootings: 6
Victims: 6
Deceased: 3 (50%)
Survivors: 2 (33%)
Pitbull index: 1 (16%)

Doggycide Roundup: 03/02/13

Chewey the pitbull

Vallejo, CA (02/10/13): Police chases robbery suspects to house, fire tear gas canisters that accidentally start a fire, destroying the building and killing the two dogs trapped inside. Robbery suspects not found; cops cleared of any wrongdoing (of course).
(via Dogs Shot by Police | Facebook)

Sandusky, OH (02/23/13): Cop shoots & kills Lucy the rottweiler after she escaped her chain and allegedly cornered a postal worker while “appear[ing] aggressive” and “bark[ing]”. Owner subsequently charged.
(via Dogs Shot by Police | Facebook)

Everett, WA (02/25/13): Police investigate two loose pitbulls “acting mean” near an elementary school, shoot & kill one while the other flees.
(via Dogs Shot by Police | Facebook)

District Heights, MD (02/26/13): Loose unidentified “pitbull” running around school bus stop shot and killed by cop for suddenly turning “aggressive” upon his arrival, despite previous non-aggressive efforts by security guards to corral the dog.
(via Dogs Shot by Police | Facebook)

Grand Rapids, MI (02/27/13): Police knocking for a trouble-making teen shoot & kill Chewey the pitbull ^[pictured] after he was allegedly ordered to attack, a claim the family denies.
(via Dogs Shot by Police | Facebook)

Statistics:
Shootings: 5
Victims: 6
Deceased: 6 (100%)
Survivors: 0 (0%)
Pitbull index: 3 (50%)

Doggycide Roundup: 02/23/13

Clearwater, FL (02/16/13): Officer “forced to shoot and kill” allegedly aggressive pitbull after failing to repel the repeatedly charging dog with his baton.
(via Dogs Shot by Police | Facebook)

Los Angeles, CA (02/18/13): Police chasing five stolen car suspects shoot & kill a dog during the pursuit. No further details known. Great reporting, that.
(via Dogs Shot by Police | Facebook)

Fort Valley, GA (02/21/13): Cops investigate allegedly loose dog chasing children in the street, shoot & kill Champ the 5-month-old rottweiler when he becomes “aggressive” after they try & fail to restrain him with a catch-pole.
(via Dogs Shot by Police | Facebook)

Statistics:
Shootings: 3
Victims: 3
Deceased: 3 (100%)
Survivors: 0 (0%)
Pitbull index: 1 (33%)

Doggycide Roundup: 02/10/13

Army the pitbull

Sorry for the lateness and general lack of bloggery these past few days. Just haven’t really been in much of an opining mood lately.

Las Vegas, NV (01/22/13): Constable under investigation for shooting & injuring dog of young woman he allegedly stalked and harassed.
(via Dogs Shot by Police | Facebook)

Long Beach, CA (01/30/13): Officers open fire at a possible trespasser’s dog that “ran at [them]”, miss; dog runs away and no injuries are reported.
(via Dogs Shot by Police | Facebook)

Battle Creek, MI (01/30/13): Police investigating a reported assault shoot & kill Junior the pitbull as it allegedly attacked them.
(via Dogs Shot by Police | Facebook)

Pitt County, NC (02/06/13): Deputy enters woman’s yard to speak with her, shoots & kills Army the pitbull ^[pictured] for “growling, hissing [?] and showing its teeth and lung[ing]” at him. Deputy claims he only opened fire when he was cornered, though makes no mention of attempting to use non-lethal force. Owner plans to sue.
(via Dogs Shot by Police | Facebook)

Statistics:
Shootings: 4
Victims: 3
Deceased: 2 (50%)
Survivors: 1 (25%)
Pitbull index: 2 (50%)

Daily Blend: Wednesday, February 06, 2013

Pres. Barack Obama

A Tale of Two Obamas: BuzzFeed’s Andrew Kaczynski presents a trenchant exposé on the President’s ^[pictured] then-and-now stance on civil liberties and government powers.

10-year-old Alexandria, VA boy arrested and charged with “brandishing a weapon” for showing his orange-tipped toy gun to other kids on a school bus.
(via @radleybalko)

Maybe the reason some police departments hate being recorded (including by their own surveillance tools) is because it exposes their corruption.
(via @normative; RT: @radleybalko)

And finally, latest Republican attempt to force God into classrooms includes text from a noted pro-choice atheist.
(via Rob F)

If you have any story suggestions, feel free to leave them in the comments or send them in.

Doggycide Roundup: 02/02/13

Kingston, NY (01/13/13): Cops forced to shoot & injure a pitbull that was allegedly “released by its owner to attack when an officer tried to arrest [him]”. Officer apparently used an appropriate escalation of force when Tasering the animal failed.
(via Dogs Shot by Police | Facebook)

Middletown, NY (01/16/13): Police investigating call about screaming man shoot & kill two pitbulls that were allegedly released to attack them.
(via Dogs Shot by Police | Facebook)

Melbourne, FL (01/17/13): Police investigating reports about domestic abuse shoot & kill Tyson the pitbull when he allegedly attacks an officer.
(via Dogs Shot by Police | Facebook)

Fort Lauderdale, FL (01/18/13): Cop responds to call about two dogs that killed cat, shoots at both when they allegedly attack, injuring one and killing the other.
(via Dogs Shot by Police | Facebook)

Jackson, MS (01/21/13): Police called in for domestic abuse case shoot apparent pitbull after unrelated woman claims it had attacked her and “was trying to bite everyone”. Dog’s status unknown.
(via Dogs Shot by Police | Facebook)

Chester, PA (01/25/13): Police respond to apparent dog fight in a pickup fight by shooting & killing both animals. Details are confusing, but no less damning.
(via Dogs Shot by Police | Facebook)

Selma, CA (01/25/13): Officer approaching animal shelter dog cage gets rushed by excited dogs at the gate. Naturally, he “feared for his life” and promptly shot & killed five of them.
(via Dogs Shot by Police | Facebook)

Statistics:
Shootings: 7
Victims: 13
Deceased: 10 (77%)
Survivors: 2 (15%)
Pitbull index: 6 (46%)

Doggycide round-up: 01/26/13

Dusty

Raleigh, NC (unknown): Cop shoots & injures Dusty the brown labrador ^[pictured] for allegedly approaching him while “barking and growling in an aggressive manner”. Owner denies dog would have behaved threateningly.
(via Dogs Shot by Police | Facebook)

Freeport, Grand Bahama (01/15/13): Grace Megan the pitbull mix escapes her fenced yard, gets shot after allegedly attacking police, dies two days later.
(via Dogs Shot by Police | Facebook)

Boston, MA (01/19/13): Police investigate call about man with gun, shoot & kill “unleashed pitbull” that “aggressively pursued them”, allegedly injuring two officers.
(via Dogs Shot by Police | Facebook)

Philadelphia, PA (01/23/13): Cops arresting suspected murderer also shoot & kill family’s boxer after it allegedly charged them.
(via Dogs Shot by Police | Facebook)

Statistics:
Shootings: 4
Victims: 4
Deceased: 3 (75%)
Survivors: 1 (25%)
Pitbull index: 2 (50%)

Doggycide Round-Up: 01/19/13

Sadie (RIP)

Maplewood, Missouri (12/31/12): Emmy the German shepherd-mix escapes from accidentally unsecured fenced backyard, gets shot by patrolling officer for “bark[ing] aggressively” and “charg[ing him] at full sprint” despite reportedly never leaving her property. Owner stuck with $1,000 vet bill and several “vicious dog” charges.
(via Dogs Shot by Police | Facebook)

Fostoria, OH (12/31/12): Officer shoots & kills “loose pitbull” that “aggressively went after him”. No apparent witness testimonials.
(via Dogs Shot by Police | Facebook)

Topeka, KS (01/02/13): Cops investigating a drive-by shooting shoot & kill an unidentified loose dog that allegedly “charged” them with no apparent consideration of non-lethal means.
(via Dogs Shot by Police | Facebook)

Hampstead, NH (01/06/13): Gun-happy former cop shoots & kills neighbors’ dog, Sadie the Brittany spaniel ^[pictured], with a rifle for allegedly scaring his caged pet rabbits in his backyard.
(via Dogs Shot by Police | Facebook)

Asbury Park, NJ (01/07/13): Police shoot & kill Bundles the German shepherd/boxer mix after it allegedly “gnawed” and “wouldn’t let go” of a cop’s pantleg, trapped a woman and child inside their car, then “ran through the neighborhood attacking several officers”. No cops were harmed. Local SPCA chief says shooting was justified.
(via Dogs Shot by Police | Facebook)

Houston, TX (01/08/13): Very sparse report states officer investigating a call was “forced to shoot” unidentified dog that “attacked”, prompting it to flee. Animal’s present status unknown.
(via Dogs Shot by Police | Facebook)

Adams County, CO (01/14/13): Deputies go to wrong address, shoot & kill Zippy the blue heeler/border collie mix almost instantly. Best part: Deputy told stricken owners, “You can get a new dog.”
(via @radleybalko)

Statistics:
Shootings: 7
Victims: 7
Deceased: 5 (71%)
Survivors: 1 (14%)
Pitbull index: 1 (14%)

Daily Blend: Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Stephen Colbert

I think we’ve officially reached the point where the NRA is doing to gun rights what PETA does to animal rights.

New York police get even creepier, now fighting war on prescription painkillers by hiding GPS trackers in fake pill bottles for unsuspecting pain patients druggies.
(via Joe. My. God.)

California judge blocks overbroad law that would destroy sex offenders’ free speech rights to anonymity online.

Good gawd are MRAs/PUAs pathetic. How grimly amusing that these silly little boys presume to call themselves “men”.
(via @jennifurret)

Oh, and Wonkette also has some fun with the sex-obsessed little toad.

And finally, following Jon Stewart’s lead, it’s Stephen Colbert’s ^[pictured] turn to shine on gun control [no time for a transcript, sorry]:

Non-U.S. readers: Click here to learn how to enable Comedy Central videos (Firefox only)

If you have any story suggestions, feel free to leave them in the comments or send them in.

Doggycide Round-Up: 01/12/13

Harrison County, MS (December 2012): Military training facility security guard allegedly shoots & kills two hunting dogs in cold blood after they strayed onto fenced federal property.
(via Dogs Shot by Police | Facebook)

Las Vegas, NV (01/06/13): Officers investigating “report or gunshots or fireworks” trespass into private, fenced backyard, ignore “Beware of Dog” sign, then shoot & kill Bubba the pitbull for allegedly reacting defensively to the intruders.
(via @radleybalko)

Birmingham, AL (01/04/13): Cops respond to 911 call about stubborn guest, instead shoot & kill Bella the chocolate labrador when she approached them peacefully. Shots went inside the home in close proximity to bystanders.
(via Dogs Shot by Police | Facebook)

Lafayette, LA (01/07/12): Police respond to false alarm call, shoot & kill family dog for allegedly “approach[ing] them in an aggressive manner” – after they barged into the dog’s fenced backyard.
(via 99.9 KTDY)

Statistics:
Shootings: 4
Victims: 5
Deceased: 5 (100%)
Survivors: 0 (0%)
Pitbull index: 1 (20%)

Daily Blend: Thursday, January 10, 2013

Rev. Louie Giglio

Tulsa, Oklahoma Planned Parenthood clinic forced to shut down due to slashed funding.

Anti-gay Christianist asshat Rev. Louie Giglio ^[pictured] voluntarily backs out from President Obama’s inauguration. Spokeswoman claims the Administration wasn’t aware of his history of bigotry.

U.K. Met Office blog kicks the Daily Mail’s ass over its latest garbage-packed global-warming-denying article.
(via @BadAstronomer)

Jebus: Cops barge into home without warrant or probable cause, shoot sleepy man 16 times (somehow without killing him) when he reaches for a flashlight. But of course, this “perceived risk” meant their actions were “justified”.
(via @radleybalko)

And finally, some good news: We won’t get smashed into Earthling purée in 2036 after all!

If you have any story suggestions, feel free to leave them in the comments or send them in.