[Jamo]

Sorry, but if the dogs got out and were threatening anyone...not much choice. You say they are "nice" dogs...then again, the owner is gone. If the yard cannot be secured against mistakes, they should've been boarded.

As much as I hate seeing pets pay for human mistakes, I hate reading about kids dying after being mauled by dogs even more. If this dog had been shot in his own secured back yard, I could see your point.

I own two labs. They are the friendliest beings I know, but they are big and can be fearsome looking. If they got out and ran towards kids (even to play) and folks don't know them, I would rather they be put down than attend a kid's funeral.

I fault the owner (a cop should know better) for leaving them in a situation where this could happen. Shouldn't have to rely on a neighbor.

Dogs paying for human mistakes...sad indeed. People who don't properly care for their dogs ought to be fixed.