Outraged does not describe my reaction to this article ("Dog allegedly shot, young girl present," Nov. 29). I have read many articles in the paper that have upset me, but none of them to the level that would prompt me to write to you.

I am not anti-gun. I have been attacked and bitten by a dog. I've had law enforcement friends and family members. But in my wildest imagination I cannot believe that a "trained professional" would shoot first in the vicinity of a small child.

What "great precaution" is possible when a 6-year-old child is nearby? Since when are children predictable in their behavior to ensure that they would not run after their pet that had just escaped from them?

And since he had to react so quickly to save himself, how could he possibly be so certain that a small child would not move into his line of fire in a heartbeat? And the sergeant attempting to defend the behavior is even worse.

There is no excuse for behavior like this.

God help us all, should we have a surprise encounter with anyone carrying a gun and a badge. Unfortunately, behavior like this puts a cloud over all law enforcement personnel.