Let's Talk Euthanizing Titus...

Titus is a Florence Police K-9, ostensibly a German Shepherd, or Alsatian, if you prefer that term. On November 11th, Titus' handler was visiting in a home in northern Florence and placed Titus in the home's backyard. Apparently Titus was not comfortable in his new environment and promptly jumped over the fence while handler Josh Hein and his girlfriend socialized inside. Titus then wandered to another home where he attacked a woman who was retrieving items from her vehicle.

The attack was totally unprovoked and occurred entirely on the victim's property. Her life will never be the same. She's currently in rehab for injuries inflicted by Titus and is reported to need more surgery at a future date. 

To say that Florence is now on the receiving end of a lawsuit should be unneeded. Yet what about Titus? Make no mistake, we love dogs, but we've been told that once a dog refuses to obey commands, his working days are over. Sadly, with Titus' training, his days on this planet would also be over is he were the property of anyone or anything but a law enforcement agency.

We find it hard to accept the truth here, but would you want Titus in your home? Would you want Titus (and Josh Hein) as your neighbor? We're guessing you're answering a resounding "no." We've seen conflicting reports of Titus being on duty or being off duty. What we can definitely say is that if Titus had belonged to a private citizen, he would probably have been shot at the scene of the attack, and if he hadn't he would be in a 30 day quarantine at a veterinary facility.

We support the Florence Police Department; we also realize they invested at least $10,000.00 in Titus, not counting specialized training. It's a sad end for Titus, but if he were human, he would be looking at First Degree Assault charges and facing a prison sentence. 

Let's think of the victim and the city's liability in this (meaning you the taxpayer). Do you want to pay out on a second claim because of Titus?

Go Fund Me for Victim

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This year is really special. Not only do we have the Iron Bowl to divide us, we have the December 12th Senate race. Just think of the angst of those hosting large gatherings tomorrow when considering seating arrangements. May we suggest four separate tables?