Posted by whatever on May 2, 2008 at 8:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

What a pillar of society he is. People like him are capable of murdering humans. They say watch how someone treats an innocent animal and know they have no problems with killing humans. Jerk!

Posted by Adam_Monroe on May 2, 2008 at 8:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Totally sad...I can't even bring myself to read the whole article...the killing of pets (in my book) is up near the top of the list of "terrible crimes."

Posted by SpiderWoman on May 2, 2008 at 8:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Should have just turned the gun on himself.

Posted by Relvd98 on May 2, 2008 at 8:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Here we go again; another son of a gun committing a cold-hearted cowardless act to some defenseless animals. WTF, if you didn't want them, were you not able to pick up the darn phone and call Animal Control or just had given them away or something of that nature?

People who do these types of things, make me sick to my stomach. I hope justice gets served for these poor animals and that he finds his next soulmate in jail.

Shame on you!

Posted by BeaHappi on May 2, 2008 at 8:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm with you Adam - animal cruelty is despicable. I'll go out on a limb and say that the automatic handgun wasn't registered either.

What a horrible, horrible man!

Posted by Hueneme_girl29 on May 2, 2008 at 9:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

******WHAT AN IDIOT!******

Just another guy that probably had his dogs "Fightin' days" over. Sounds like one of those stupid F*****RS that probaly raises and fights pitbulls. Didnt anyone hear any shots fired? Sounds like he shot them several times. Animal cruelty gets me heated more so than any other subject. Grrrrr!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by thsomerville on May 2, 2008 at 9:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I hope he burns in hell.

Posted by del on May 2, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I do not know why he decided to kill the dogs and cannot make a judgement without more information. But, if it took more than one shot to kill each dog, he should be hung for being a bad shot and wasting ammo.

I could speculate that he decided these dogs had become to dangerous to keep?

It is not correct to hang him till you have all the information.

Posted by virtualpaulh on May 2, 2008 at 9:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

agree with Del... think I would feel differently if they were non-aggressive dogs... but the fact they were pitbulls leaves the door open that he has some basis of a defense. What if the dogs had just attacked a toddler? perhaps there are better ways to handle things, and you should never take the law into your own hands, but just saying...

Posted by kristinppl on May 2, 2008 at 9:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

He sounds like a total scumbag. If the dogs were vicious why did he have them unless hes an idiot. It sounds like they misbehaved or were too much trouble and hes a low life! I hope he stays in jail a long time.

Posted by slkrchck on May 2, 2008 at 10:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

i'm too sick .............

Posted by Relvd98 on May 2, 2008 at 10:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Juniormafia does have a point. My brother in law owns a pit and since he was born, he didn't want to raise him as a vicious one, as most are. He's the most gentle pit you'll ever come across and does not look intimidating at all. Also, he did have consideration for his son, who at the time, was one.

Posted by AngryChihuahua on May 2, 2008 at 10:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree with everyone. This man committed a dispicable act. The sad truth is that if this man had brought these dogs to the animal shelter, odds are they probably would have been killed anyway. People who let their pets breed are responsible for millions of healthy pets being killed in shelters every year. Where is the outrage? And don't blame the people who work at the shelters, they're just doing your dirty work. Be responsible. Adopt your pets from shelters not from breeders or pet stores and please spay and neuter your pets, it's that simple.

Posted by Hueneme_girl29 on May 2, 2008 at 10:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

JOEFOX-

all of your "WHAT IF'S" dont work. He wouldnt have been arrested and charged. Had he explained that they bit someone, or were agressive, etc. It wouldnt even be in the news.

Ponit#2- I dont think it was a "quick bullet to the head" given that the article states that the dogs were shot SEVERAL times - meaning it didnt sound quick to me at all. Sounds like torture.

Posted by zulumaster on May 2, 2008 at 10:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

they were pitbulls, who cares!!!

if the dog would have killed a kid, all of you would be wanting to kill the dog!

get over it

Posted by Hueneme_girl29 on May 2, 2008 at 10:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Zulumaster-
Ignorant comment. It's not the breed - it's the way they were raised.

Posted by mauid2005 on May 2, 2008 at 10:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If I had a choice of lethal injection or bullet, I'd choose the injection. And I'm not talking about for me - I'm talking about the choice for putting my animal to sleep.

Personally, I feel that shooting the dogs was murder. Plain and simple. Had the dogs been too aggressive, bit someone whatever - DON'T shoot it, take it to the shelter. I don't know about most shelters, but the Camarillo one seems to take pretty decent care of ALL their animals.

Posted by FedUp on May 2, 2008 at 10:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"they were pitbulls, who cares!!!

if the dog would have killed a kid, all of you would be wanting to kill the dog!

get over it"

you are waaaaaaayyyyy of base here. if one of his dogs killed a kid, I would not want the dog killed. I would want the owner killed! dogs are a product of their environment. it does not matter what the breed is. Pits have a propensity for violence just as much as chihuahuas do. I have known many pits in my lifetime, and I have never been bitten by one. I have been bitten by a german shephard, and a couple of little ankle biters with razor sharp teeth.

this guy sounds like a complete POS for killing his dogs this way, regardless what they did to deserve it.

I also agree with angrychihuahua. dont buy from a breeder, and spay and neuter your animals.

Posted by del on May 2, 2008 at 11:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Ahhh junior...isn't validation sweet? Even if it helps to justify name-calling?

Posted by tathiba1 on May 2, 2008 at 11:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Jurymafia...who are you to call someone an idiot.
It is that persons opinion.Pitbulls are just bad news. I have never heard of a standard poodle killing, or attacking anyone for that matter.
It is always so amazing to me how people get so upset when they hear about an animal being mistreated. There is no excuse for it at all.
I wonder how many of you animal lovers have done something nice for someone today, helped someone you saw that needed something, or just this strong of a stand in what you believe in.
I would also like to see anyone of you taking one, let alone two pit bulls to the shelter.
A bullet, shot, or gas. Same result

Posted by Tabitha_D on May 2, 2008 at 11:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

who cares that it was a pitt? i love pits. i have never had a problem with a pit. my family owns a pitt that has been nothing but great to us. even new babies and such. you're all ridiculous for thinking its because of its breed. this guy was wrong in what he did, period. what if it was your dog he shot and not his own. and everyone was speculating that it was because of the breed it was and what that means it might have done. when any dog is cable of violence, if you teach them. these poor dogs did not deserve this.
I also agree with angrychihuahua. dont buy from a breeder, and spay and neuter your animals.

Posted by del on May 2, 2008 at 11:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I do not believe my sarcastic attempt to show my distaste with name calling sunk in.

Posted by Relvd98 on May 2, 2008 at 11:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

tathiba1-

For the record, I'am not an "animal lover", it is just plain a cruel act committed upon animals. Don't you see that? Secondly, two days ago I offered and gave a ride home to an elderly man who not only had difficulty walking, but was carrying two heavy bags that contained fruit in them. So you cannot say we do not do our deeds towards others.

Therefore, I'm entitled to my opinion like you and everyone else.

Posted by meleemel on May 2, 2008 at 11:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I have also come across many pitbulls. I have never met a mean one. I have however been bit by a miniature doberman pincher on more than one occasion!! I also know of a few friends who have been bitten by small dogs! Bottom line.....It has nothing to do with the breed, but everything to do with the owner. I totally agree with Fedup.....If one of his dogs had killed a kid I would want the owner punished, not the dog.

A while back I read an article about what has happened to many of the dogs that were rescued from Michael Vick's property. MANY of the pitbulls have been adopted out to families (after intense personality screening). There was one pitbull in particular who is such a well behaved, loving dog that he is going through a training class for dogs that go around to hospitals and visit & cheer people up. I find it pretty amazing that this animal who was tortured for who knows how long is still able to put that all past him and be a kind, loving, well behaved dog.

Posted by FedUp on May 2, 2008 at 11:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Tabitha - funny you should bring up Standard Poodles.
there is/was an ahole who would bring his two standards to the dog park at camino real, in ventura. this guy was a POS! he never cleaned up after his dogs, never disciplined his dogs, nothing. these two dogs were the most aggressive, mean, angry dogs I have ever run across. but, because their owner was a complete ahole, I chalked it up to him.
I dont go to the dog park anymore. purely because I did not want my labs, or myself to get hurt by this mans standard poodles.

it is the owners, not the breed.

Posted by Brownpride on May 2, 2008 at 11:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I hate 99% of pit bulls. They have a screw loose in their brains. Most people that shoot guns off in the city limits also have the same problem. They say the type of dog you own will describe the kind of person that you are. Pitbull owners please dont bash me I said 99% You are the 1%

Posted by cyndig49 on May 2, 2008 at 12:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I worked for a veterinary hospital for 6 years. I'm tired of hearing that one breed is more capable of aggression than another breed. Just like humans, animals have different personalities. Some loving and some aggressive. Discipline and training are what every dog needs. Any owner who can not control their pet should seek help or find a new home for their pet. As an alternative to the animal shelter, there are pet adoption agencies who have volunteers who will serve as "foster parents" until the pet finds a new home.

Also, euthanasia is the most humane way of putting an animal down. It is an overdose of anesthesia, anesthesia makes you sleep. In this case the animal never awakes.

Posted by guy133 on May 2, 2008 at 12:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If the dogs were shot and killed instantly, I don't see where the cruelty is.

We kill millions(?) of animals every day to eat.

I guess the motive here is slightly relevant. If he shot the dogs because they were too mean, or too sick, then there should be no crime. If he shot them for the fun of it, then maybe he deserves a slap on the wrist.

Why should killing a dog be any more of a penalty than killing a deer or a pheasant or a cow?

Posted by SpiderWoman on May 2, 2008 at 12:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Definitely the owners not the breed. What sounds more terrifying on the news, a mauling by a Pitbull or one by a Poodle. The media is responsible for it. They filter out and report only what they want. Remember when Dobermans and German Sheps were so feared?

Posted by FedUp on May 2, 2008 at 12:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"Why should killing a dog be any more of a penalty than killing a deer or a pheasant or a cow?"

did you seriously ask this question?

Posted by raidrfan979 on May 2, 2008 at 12:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It is not the breed, it is the owner. I raised a shark and it never harmed anyone. But my fighting goldfish are trained killers. Breed has nothing to do with it. Certain breeds are more aggresive than others in all species. Dogs, cats, fish, even humans. Why did that bear kill that trainer last week? What about the tiger who attacked Roy? The way you raise them does have a big effect on the way animals behave, but some have natural instinct.

Posted by Brownpride on May 2, 2008 at 12:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If you had a 1 year old child and there was a golden retriever and a pit bull same owner. Not sure how the owner brought the dogs up. What dog would you rather sit the child next too?

Posted by FedUp on May 2, 2008 at 12:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"What dog would you rather sit the child next too?"

neither. if I dont know anything about the owner, I wont trust either dog.

Posted by guy133 on May 2, 2008 at 1:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

FedUp, yes I am serious. Why have we (as a society) arbitrarily decided that dogs deserve more rights than cows?

Posted by guy133 on May 2, 2008 at 1:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

juniormafia, thanks for the name-calling, that's always helpful in any discussion.

Just because it was shot multiple times does not tell us when the animal died. And, if the owner was intending to put the dog down as quickly as possible and it did not die on the first shot, it's good that the owner shot a 2nd or 3rd time to kill it, as opposed to letting it suffer for minutes or hours until it died from the first shot.

Posted by guy133 on May 2, 2008 at 1:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"dogs are meant to be kept as pets"

By whom? Aren't dogs kept as food in some cultures? Aren't cows considered sacred in some cultures?

I think the lines are drawn in a fairly arbitrary way.

I don't think any animals should be tortured, but I also don't think any animals should have a higher or lower status than others for being killed.

Posted by del on May 2, 2008 at 1:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Pet Deer? Read the "Yearling".

The dogs were shot multiple times. No one knows if the first shot, 2nd shot, 3rd.... was the fatal shot. This guy has probably watched to much TV. One shot, one kill, if not you have not done your job properly. As to the why...we do not know.

Posted by AnaCapa on May 2, 2008 at 1:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

A dog, doesn't matter the breed, is not intrinsically bad. People make them bad.

Posted by Comments on May 2, 2008 at 1:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The way some of these discussions digress from the main topic can be astounding.

The breed of dog, etc is irrelevant. The fact is that this man illegally (aren't most of you generally all over the "illegality" of issues?) shot and killed animals. And, he illegally discharged a gun within city limits. Those are the facts. All the circumstances surrounding what happened may be interesting and might shed on some light on what happened, but it won't change the basic facts.

Ok, now that the point of the article has been addressed I'll comment on some of the silliness here. All dogs are capable of becoming violent - it's inherent in their nature. Yes, training can and is helpful and yes, some breeds do have a higher tendency toward aggression. However, golden retrievers and labs can and have attacked. Even the most docile dog can have a bad moment and that bad moment could spell tragedy. So, the answer to the silly question about which dog I'd rather let my child sit next to (golden retriever or pit bull) - the answer is neither. I wouldn't trust my child next to any dog. Too much can happen too quickly.

And, to juniormafia, what's the deal with teh name calling? Don't you realize that calling people names only makes the name caller look ignorant? Calling someone an idiot doesn't make your argument any stronger.

Posted by thetruthdotcom on May 2, 2008 at 1:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

i'm glad to see at least some of you understand the concept of knowing ALL FACTS before passing judgement. for others, it's a concept too difficult to grasp. you read something, and immediately have something to say. for those of you who want to hear what really happened, and then comment, read below:

Hercules and Chopper were the greatest dogs ever. Our whole family loved them both. Hercules was actually Chopper's dad. when chopper was born, my younger brother raised him from the 1st day he was born. it was his best friend, almost like a younger brother of my younger brother. after chopper was born, he and hercules got along just fine. about 9 mos. ago, both dogs started to become aggressive towards each other. both dogs were then separated in different sections of the house because neither my dad (hercule's owner) nor my brother (chopper's owner) wanted to get rid of their dog.

Posted by thetruthdotcom on May 2, 2008 at 1:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

2 days ago, hercules forced his way through a door which got him into the backyard (where chopper spent the day waiting for my brother to get home from work and to be taken into my brother's room, indoors). my dad was the only person home at the time, he heard the commotion in the back and FOR OVER 30 MINUTES he was trying to break up the fight. he used water from the hose. he used chili pepper. he used his own weight and force. he did everything he could think of at that point in time. HE COULD NOT BREAK UP THE FIGHT. exhausted, and looking down to see Chopper (his son's dog) ripping Hercules (his dog) to shreds, he resorted to running inside and grabbing HIS LAWFULLY REGISTERED .45 CALIBER PISTOL FROM HIS LOCKED SAFE and went back and shot 2 shots into the ground trying to scare the dogs apart. they didn't even flinch. he then shot chopper in an attempt to save Hercules. chopper died instantly. already in tears and panic, he looked down to see his mangled dog hercules, face 1/2 ripped off, pieces of flesh torn off all over his body, huffing and puffing his last breaths of air, he couldn't see his dog suffer past that. he put a bullet in him to end his suffering.

Posted by del on May 2, 2008 at 1:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"When the need arises--and it does--you must be able too shoot your own dog. Don’t farm it out--that doesn’t make it nicer, it makes it worse."

L.L.

Of course there are deeper implications to this than just the literal aspect of the words.

Posted by thetruthdotcom on May 2, 2008 at 1:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

IMMEDIATELY after it happened, HE WAS THE ONE who called the police station to report what had just happened in his own backyard. He is the one who had to shoot his son's dog to try to save his own. He is the one who had to put his own dog down. He is the one who hopes his own son will understand and forgive some day.

When the officer's came out that night, it's funny when i asked the sergeant if he had a dog. he said yes. i asked him what he would've done if he saw his dog being torn apart by another dog or another animal? he said if he had his gun on him, he probably would've shot the other dog. He said he would've even shot his own dog IF HIS DOG WAS THE AGGRESSOR. interesting how well the police investigate before an arrest is made.

Posted by thetruthdotcom on May 2, 2008 at 1:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I know most of you only know what you have read in this 3 paragraph article. Very convenient how THE STAR leaves out the fact the only reporting party of this incident was my dad himself. but then of course, it wouldn't be that interesting to readers. for those of you who hoped he turned the gun on himself, or burns in hell, it won't happen. in my opinion, it would've been animal cruelty to have not tried to break them up, and to have just left them and said screw it, whatever dog wins is the one who survives.

By the way, my dad turns 50 on the 18th of this month. this is the 1st time in my dad's life he's ever been arrested for anything. He has a ZERO criminal record. I don't think speeding tickets count as an arrest right? My dad's the greatest father i could ever have asked for. anyone who knows him and our family would attest to that.

Have a nice day people.

Posted by SpiderWoman on May 2, 2008 at 1:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Point well taken thetruthdotcom. I think even if you reread the article, they don't report on all the circumstances that you had listed. They also say he was booked for cruelty to animals. The story points toward someone shooting dogs with no reason. In fact they mention the cruelty part in the beginning and at the end. You knowing the whole story and it being your father, I can see reading the comments is upsetting but all the readers here only have what was in the story.

Posted by del on May 2, 2008 at 1:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thank you! Your information makes me regret my, "This guy has probably watched to much TV" statement.

Posted by SummerSun on May 2, 2008 at 2:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This psycho should be locked up for life. Next he'll be shooting his neighbor! May he'll have the same fate behind bars as his dogs did. Let the dog lovers in jail have their way with him! May you Rot!

Posted by thetruthdotcom on May 2, 2008 at 2:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

all comments made without knowing what really happened will of course be forgiven. nobody's perfect. i'm sure not. Just one more thing i forgot to mention, and this i direct at everyone who believes everything they read, THE STAR says he was arrested wed. afternoon according to a police statement. The cops came out last night to my dad's place after several messages my dad left for the investigating officer. After my dad voluntarily showed them the gun he used and handed it over to them, they confiscated it, and they arrested him at about 10:30 pm last night. as in, thursday night and NOT wed. afternoon. don't believe me? check www.vcsd.org, the sheriffs website. click inmate information and look at the arrest date. don't believe everything you read guys. and those who are still wondering about the "multiple shots" and how that could be linked to animal cruelty, there was a total of 4 shots fired. 2 bullets hit 2 animals. the other 2 went into the ground.

Posted by FedUp on May 2, 2008 at 2:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

thanks for giving us the truth. sorry to hear about your loss.
most everyone on here posts, based on what information the STAR gives us.

once again, sorry for your loss. I dont even know how I would react, if my two dogs would be in this same situation.

quick question, and I apologize if you already stated this. were both dogs fixed?

Posted by thetruthdotcom on May 2, 2008 at 3:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

for those who've shown support through this tough time, very tough time, i thank you.

Fedup, Hercules the older dog was the only one fixed.

I have a little girl who's almost 1. Both dogs loved playing with her (me holding her of course) and were so affectionate. Both dogs will be missed terribly. RIP Hercules and Chopper.

Posted by meleemel on May 2, 2008 at 3:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thetruth......I'm so sorry for your loss! I couldn't imagine going through something like this! I'm very sorry......

Posted by SpiderWoman on May 2, 2008 at 3:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sorry for your loss, pets are family. I hope your brother is able to understand and forgive. I hope that your father is released and they don't press charges for something I think that most people here faced with the same situation would have reacted in the same manner or close. Thoughts and prayers for your family.

Posted by Brownpride on May 2, 2008 at 4:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I can not believe people are actually defending this dude for shooting his dogs. We live in the United States of America where we arent suppost to shoot guns and kill our pets in the neighborhood. If you believe that he is innocent please go back to Mexico. Dont corrupt our country. Do not call me racist because I have a little bit of common sense.

Posted by mauid2005 on May 2, 2008 at 4:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"I wonder how many of you animal lovers have done something nice for someone today, helped someone you saw that needed something, or just this strong of a stand in what you believe in.
I would also like to see anyone of you taking one, let alone two pit bulls to the shelter.
A bullet, shot, or gas. Same result"

I do something nice for someone every single day - it's called living and smiling! But seriously, what is it to you?

Chances of you seeing me take a pit bull to the shelter are slim to none as I don't own a pit. BUT if I had any type of animal that I could no longer care for, I sure would take it to a shelter. There's always a home.

Sure, a bullet gas and shot have the same end result - death. BUT several gunshots is not justifiable.

Posted by zulumaster on May 2, 2008 at 4:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

WOW! very passionate about a dog, plenty of soldiers dieing in Iraq everyday if you havent heard!!

Posted by del on May 2, 2008 at 4:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

From what I have read, after exhausting his options, he knew what he had to do, and carried it out in accurate and humane manner. Give him back his weapon and let him go home.

I was born in this country of Gaelic ancestry; therefore Mexico is not an option.

Posted by mauid2005 on May 2, 2008 at 4:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Of course, I don't know what really happened and we probably will only know what is told to us by the media. After reading the post from thetruthdotcom, it's easy to see why so many posters would be so ready to fling mud because of how misleading the article may be. I know I was.

Honestly, I don't know what I would do if my animal was being attacked or was the attacker. I can sit here, behind my monitor, saying this or that but I know that my stance will change when in that position.

Posted by BeaHappi on May 2, 2008 at 4:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

thetruthdotcom...I humbly retract my statement from earlier today. My apologies.

I'm so sorry for the loss to your family. We just hear about so many bad things these days that it's easy to chalk up stories like this to one more evil wrong-doing.

I hope that your dad is doing okay; the entire ordeal sounds awful.

Posted by meleemel on May 2, 2008 at 4:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Zulu, The story is about somone who shot his dogs.....Not about our soldiers in Iraq. I'm sure there have been and will continue to be plenty of stories on that subject that we can all comment on if we'd like.

Posted by jill on May 2, 2008 at 6:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This person is a piece of sh_t! I hope that the punishment fits the crime. Poor dogs.

Posted by ironwoman on May 2, 2008 at 9:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The owner was arrested for animal cruelty. The dogs were found in the backyard with multiple gunshots. Sounds like an animal killer to me.

Sorry about your loss truthdotcom but what the article states results in comments and opinions. We are entitled to post them.

Posted by ironwoman on May 2, 2008 at 9:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The owner was arrested for animal cruelty. The dogs were found in the backyard with multiple gunshots. Sounds like an animal killer to me.

Sorry about your loss truthdotcom but what the article states results in comments and opinions. We are entitled to post them.

Posted by santabarbarasand on May 3, 2008 at 10:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow, it is really amazing how much of the story that the Star leaves out! We do trust the media, too much, and figured that since it is printed news that it is factual. Maybe it is part fact but full disclosure is not truth, it leads to assumption.

This story is sad and I'm glad that thetruthbetold came in here because had he not, we surely would think that the shooter was a very bad man. If this same situation happened to me, I would have done the same thing and I am totally against animal cruelty. Allowing them to rip each other to shreds would be far crueler than what he did. He was trying to stop them, trying to save them and the end result wasn't what he wanted I am sure. How sad that not only did he have to experience that situation and then have to make the judgment call that he did and on top of it he was arrested and is now being bashed by society. I would not want to be in his position and I'm sad that he has to deal with this. If the story is true though, he will get more sympathy than ridicule, even from animal advocates! Hang in there.

Posted by santabarbarasand on May 3, 2008 at 10:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Oops, thetruthdotcom... not thetruthbetold...

Posted by tr0n001 on May 3, 2008 at 10:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This man had to make an incredibly tough decision his three dogs did not get along and herules the oldest over ten years and chopper who was hercules pup was the worst. Hercules had gotten out and chopper had started tearing him to shreds and after 30 minutes of trying to break them apart he decided to get his gun. He fired warning shots but it did not even phase the dog and when it came down to it he was crying but he shot chopper and then put hercules near death out of his misery. I could not imagine having to be in his position.

Posted by Face on May 3, 2008 at 11:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

mmshoot, I like you, but you need to stop whatever it is you are doing to multiple post. Sometimes the page is slow to post, just wait. Hitting Post Comment before the page is done loading will just keep posting multiple times. Relax, don't do it, if you want to go through it. Peace

Posted by Face on May 3, 2008 at 11:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Or change your name to Echoecho or FreddyTwoTimes, "Gotta go get the papers, get the papers."

Posted by the1pumper on May 3, 2008 at 11:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

i think that maybe you should see pit bulls fight then you put your self in his place?its scary and i realy dont think that he wanted to put his dogs down? 1 that was his for 13 years and the other was his son and the 13 year old was the 2 year olds dad bottom line it sucks too lose any dogs in that way it sucks and then get arrested too boot dammm11!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rafael sr hang in there you will get throught it

Posted by Face on May 3, 2008 at 11:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I thought owning Pit Bulls was illegal. They were bread to kill and fight, not to be family pets. Discharging a weapon is illegal too. Killing pets is illegal too I think. If owning death dogs is legal, they should revise that legality immediately. There is no place for them in anyone's neighborhood. They kill, that is what are hardwired to do.

Posted by Face on May 3, 2008 at 11:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

And don't tell me about Petey is sweet, they are land sharks waiting to snap.

Posted by Face on May 3, 2008 at 12:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I had friends who had ones named, Meathead, Necksnap, and Lucifer. O.k. I made Necksnap up, but I am serious about the other two.

Posted by buttercup2000 on May 3, 2008 at 3:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The meanest dog I have ever known was a rottweiler.

The sweetest dog I have ever known was a pitbull.

Even pitbulls who are bred to fight are usually not aggressive to humans, just other dogs. That doesn't mean I condone dogfighting, as I am totally disgusted by it and c---fighting and every other sport that makes money off animals ripping each other apart.

I am just saying that people are the problem with aggressive animals.
And yes, I have watched one too many "Dog Whisperer" episodes but that guy is amazing.
He proves over and over again that people are the problem, not the dogs.
Not that most people are even to blame, they don't realise they are the problem.

This Cesear Millan has made his living rehabilitating red zone dogs, meaning dogs that were considered too aggressive and mean to be kept alive. So if anyone else has a problem with an aggressive dog that they love, please visit his website and sign up to be on his show. He is coming to the Ventura area soon and you need to sign up within a certain time so don't delay.

To the family of Hercules and Chopper, my sincerest sympathy and condolences. Pets really do become part of the family and my heart goes out to you.

I hope Raphael doesn't punish himself too harshly and can forgive himself. When push comes to shove we can't always see the outcome of our descisions until the dust settles and by then it's too late.

And btw, don't be too harsh with the Star Free Press, they don't always get all the facts either. They are relying on police reports that aren't always filled out properly or accurately and i'm sure they are doing their best to report news to us. If anything let us take this as a lesson to not be hasty in our judgements of others as we do not know everything.

Posted by Face on May 3, 2008 at 4:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You can say c---fighting, but the fact is most people are not Cesar Milan. Because of this, these animals should be outlawed. People need to prove they can drive and get a license. Maybe a special license for the handling of death breeds is in order.

Posted by Face on May 3, 2008 at 4:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Oh lord, now the English language has been determined not fit to print. Those c---bites!

Posted by Starreader on May 4, 2008 at 1:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Darn, I'm slow to read this article. Glad I got the real details before posting. To thetruthdotcom, I am so sorry your family has suffered so much over this. I pray common sense will prevail and your father will be acquitted of ALL charges.

Why do you people think they use pit bulls for dog fighting? With the ability to lock their jaw, they can clamp down and tear out huge chunks of flesh with each bit! Pit’s are also pack animals, if they see another dog in the pack attack something they will follow suit. I am an animal lover, but draw the line on a household pet with that kind of ability.

I hate to tell all you animal cruelty folks, but this sort of thing is commonplace out in the country and I don’t mean back woods hillbilly stuff either. If your dog is old, you shoot it. Sure you can take it into the vets and for a hundred dollars and they will can kill, it but why?

For those of you who think what he did was wrong, what would you do? I would have done the exact same thing. Which is more inhumane, shooting the aggressive dog, or standing by watching it tear part another animal?

Posted by moorparkman2000 on May 4, 2008 at 4:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I hate this man because I love dogs. But I began to think about that...

Millions of pets are put under by lethal injection every year. If these dogs were shot without suffering (which they weren't), I see no difference besides the motives in killing the dogs. It disgusts me in the matter that they were shot, however.

Needless to say, they died from multiple shots, proving this man is sick, and needs to be removed from society immediately.

All dogs go to heaven; this man will burn in hell.

Posted by Ahearts11 on May 4, 2008 at 11:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

For all you people judging PITBULLS! I would just like to let you guys know Hercules was a really sweet, funny and down to earth dog. He had an awesome personality just like a human even better then a human. You can probely ask a quarter of simi valley that knew him and they all loved him very much. He was a well trained dog and im sure if you would have met him you would have loved him so much to! Judging a dog by his breed is the exact same thing as judging a person by there race! Think about it!

Posted by r.gyurkovitz on May 5, 2008 at 6:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow, all the news stories out there about people who die in car accidents, shootings, stabbings, medication errors etc. and everyone has a heart attack because some guy shot a couple of dogs.

Nice to see where everyone's priorities are.

Posted by dsalerno on May 5, 2008 at 11:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Rafa,
when we heard about this on Saturday morning, our hearts went out to you and your family. You've all been through more than most people. We didn't know Chopper, but certainly had met and played with Hercules and knew him to be a good family pet. I'm so saddened that another tragedy has divided your family even further. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Diane & Phil

Posted by thetruthdotcom on May 5, 2008 at 2:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Diane and Phil, as always, our family holds you guys at the highest place in our hearts.

Posted by Face on May 5, 2008 at 6:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Death Dogs should be illegal and immediately euthanized to save the children and others from their inbred tendencies. Owning one after they are illegal should be akin to owning an illegal assault weapon... Why? They say "Guns don't kill people, people kill people." I say, "Deathdogs kill people"

Posted by buttercup2000 on May 5, 2008 at 9:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Any dog can be a deathdog given the right set of circumstances, upbringing, surroundings, etc., just as any human.

Fear and ignorance is always the basis for being prejudice.

Don't believe everything you hear in the news. Pitbulls are given a bad rap by the news because people eat it up. We've already seen many times over the way reporters tweak stories to make them seem more than they are. If I had never had personal experience with any pitbulls I would probably buy into that deathdog bullcrap too but I know different.
Everyone is intitled to their opinion though.