”
Red Phone, I’m confused as to why the Highway Patrol felt it was
unsafe to shoot the horse who was hit by the transit bus.
“Red Phone, I’m confused as to why the Highway Patrol felt it was unsafe to shoot the horse who was hit by the transit bus. Police officers are allowed to shoot a pitbull that poses a threat in a residential area. But not putting this horse out of its misery because it was close to a residential area? This makes no sense at all.”
Red Phone: Dear One With Compassion, Red Phone contacted California Highway Patrol officer Jaime Rios for an explanation. He said anytime an officer uses his weapon, there are circumstances that must be met. “For example, in order to use deadly force, an officer must feel his/her life or someone else’s life is in danger, and the subject (person or animal) that is attacking has the intent, and the ability, to cause great bodily harm. An officer can dispatch an animal if it is rabid, if it is seriously injured and it is in a rural area clear of houses and/or pedestrians.”
In regards to the incident involving the horse, the officers on scene did not feel it would be safe to dispatch the horse, since it was so close to a residential area, he added. “Anytime we dispatch an animal, there is always the danger that the bullet may ricochet and hit an unintended target,” Rios said. “Since the horse did not pose an immediate danger to the public or the officers, they did not feel it necessary or safe to dispatch the horse at the scene. It is very unfortunate that the horse had to suffer as long as it did, however the officers did everything in their power to ensure that the animal was treated humanly.”
There you have it, good caller.
Sidewalk accessible to wheelchairs
“Red Phone, wheelchairs can’t use the sidewalk on Jarvis Drive between Butterfield Boulevard and Monterey Road, near Opal Lane because there is a construction fence blocking the way. Could you please get someone to move the fence off the sidewalk so wheelchairs can use it again? Thanks.”
Red Phone: Dear Blocked, Red Phone contacted Mori Struve, deputy director of public works, who said the project is owned by South County Housing.
“On (Tuesday), city staff directed the owner to move the fence back,” Struve said. “City staff expects to receive a return call within a week providing a timeline for completion.”
In the meantime, the fence was moved to make the sidewalk accessible and staff will work with the owner to further relocate the fence.
Problem solved, good caller.
