Letters to the Editor
Chief of Police: Letter to the Editor
To the community,
Due to some recent comments, and rumors flying around, I feel like I need to clarify some issues regarding the unfortunate shooting of the dog earlier this week.
Here are the facts. Not personal opinion or perception. On Mondaynight (12-19-11), two Gillespie police officers responded to a report of an unknown dog which was on the porch of a residence and would not leave. The resident had tried for over 30 minutes to get the dog to leave prior to calling the police but was unsuccessful. The resident also testified that the dog had been aggressive toward her by snipping at her, and she was scared for the safety of her children.
When officers arrived on scene, the dog was also aggressive towards them, drooling and foaming heavily at the mouth, and was showing its teeth. It appeared that dog may have had an injured paw. Animal control was contacted and was unable to come out to the scene. The officers attempted for over a half-hour to use the “catch pole” to safely secure the dog, both officers were unsuccessful.
During this time, the dog continued to be aggressive, by biting at the catch pole. It should, also be noted the dog had no city or county tags on its collar. The dog was, not licensed with the city. The officers had no way at the time of the incident to find out to whom the dog belonged, to ask for assistance.
The dog was only shot as a last resort, and only after the dog had gone after one of the officers. The dog was shot initially 2 times, and was shot a 3rd time after it again went after the other officer. People have questioned why 3 shots, the reason simply is because that is what it took to bring the dog down in the most humane way possible.
To shoot a dog once, and let it just “bleed out” would’ve been cruel. Officers are taught not to shoot an animal in the head, due to the fact that an animal cannot be tested for rabies after a head injury. The officer successful brought the dog down as safely as possible, and as quickly as possible. With still being unable to determine the owners at the time, to check shot records, the excessive drooling and foaming at the mouth, and the aggressiveness of the dog, this dog was a potential danger to entire city.
If the dog had gotten loose and bit someone, more people would be criticizing stating the police did not do everything in their power to stop the dog. After the dog was shot, animal control was again contacted for the dog to be tested. My officers were advised that because the dog was not successful in its attempts to bite anyone, that the State would not test the dog for rabies, and should instead be buried. Again we had no way at that time of knowing who the owners were. A member of the city department was contacted, who removed the dog and buried it.
This was an unfortunate event that resulted in the death of a dog. No one from the Gillespie police department enjoys shooting any living creature, especially somebody’s pet. Sadly, for public safety, sometimes this is necessary.
Thank goodness this is not a common occurrence. We deal with dozens of dog calls a year, and rarely is it necessary to shoot the dog. This sadly, was one of those times. Both officers acted according to training and police procedure. Both officers should be commended for exhausting every means possible before having to use lethal force.
Please keep in mind that police officers often are called to make tough decisions, sometimes in a matter of seconds. The public is allowed to look back on an incident and judge according to their perception, and based on what is found out later. Police officers are often not afforded that luxury; we must act with only what we know at the time of any given incident.
If anyone has comments or criticism and wishes to contact me about this issue or any other, please feel free. The police department number is (217) 839-2922.
Sincerely,
Chief Jared DePoppe
Comments
Dear Editor,
Domestic Violence within Macoupin County is prevalent. It is destructive and can be both physical and psychological. It can affect anyone of any age, gender, race, or sexual orientation. It may include behaviors meant to scare, physically harm, or control a partner. While every relationship is different – domestic violence generally involves an unequal power dynamic in which one partner tries to assert control over the other in a variety of ways. The following statistics are all according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
We can see domestic violence inside the home: through the use and control of household pets. In one study, 85% of survivors who experienced co-occurring animal abuse reported that the behavior of their pets had changed. An even higher percentage of survivors who reported partners had harmed or killed their pet, have also reported their partner for domestic violence. We can also see an increase usage of firearms within the intimate partner violence home. A survey of contacts by the National Domestic Violence Hotline found (of those with access to firearms):
- 10% said their abusers had fired a gun during an argument.
- 67% believed their abusers were capable of killing them.
We can see domestic violence inside our schools: as partner violence is not exclusive to the home. There are many instances of violence between dating partners that begin in high school. Nearly 1.5 million high school students in the United States are physically abused by dating partners every year. Within those relationships, 13.4% of male high school students report being physically or sexually abused by a dating partner.
We can see domestic violence inside our community: Macoupin County provides a specific set of needs for those victims and survivors of domestic violence. There are several complex concerns within a violent relationship that come to light once action has been taken. Safe Families sees a few main re-occurring concerns within the county:
- Survivors have fewer financial resources, making them more financially dependent on an abusive partner.
- The lack of rental units or other affordable housing options makes it more difficult for survivors to leave spouses or co-habiting abusers.
The Macoupin County Safe Families program provides support for residents as they journey the emotional endeavors to leave behind domestic violence. As a contributor to that experience, we will be hosting a Domestic Violence Awareness Walk on October 7th on the Carlinville Square. An event shirt will be included with a ticket sale. The online tickets will close 09/29 at 5pm. Tickets will be sold at 9am day-of event at the Safe Families booth. More information about the Awareness Walk can be found on our website at mcphd@mcphd.net. We urge Macoupin County residents to join us and rally against domestic violence together.
Juliet Wooldridge and Lilly Booth
Domestic Violence Advocate Coordinators
Community Health Worker
Macoupin County Safe Families
Comments
Dear Editor,
Community Health Centers are the backbone of our nation’s primary health care system. We design innovative, integrated primary care based on what services communities need most — ensuring access to affordable, quality healthcare for over 30 million people. In addition to creating jobs and saving lives, collectively we save American taxpayers $24 billion a year in health care costs by preventing and managing chronic diseases.
Community Health Centers are not ordinary medical clinics; we are also problem-solvers who reach beyond the exam room to care for the whole person by providing access to necessities like food, transportation, and housing. Community Health Centers care for everyone, regardless of insurance status. Nationwide during hurricanes, floods, and fires, and locally during the pandemic, Community Health Centers are first on the scene and are vital to keeping America healthy.
The 2023 theme of National Health Center Week is ‘The Roadmap to a Stronger America.’ Community Health Centers serve as the beacon of strength, service, and care in their communities. In moments of pain and loss, we offer support and love. In moments of triumph, we offer hope and a vision for the future. This year’s National Health Center Week theme takes us on a virtual road trip across America, highlighting the achievements and amazing work being done at Community Health Centers in every state and territory. Celebrate the uniqueness of our community and get to know others as we journey across the U.S. together!
Each day of National Health Center Week is dedicated to a particular focus area. We will be working with community partners to recognize and celebrate each of the following focus groups in our community.
- Sunday, 8/6: Public Health in Housing Day
- Monday, 8/7: Healthcare for the Homeless Day
- Tuesday, 8/8: Agricultural Worker Health Day
- Wednesday, 8/9: Patient Appreciation Day
- Thursday, 8/10: Stakeholder Appreciation Day
- Friday, 8/11: Health Center Staff Appreciation Day
- Saturday, 8/12: Children’s Health Day
As part of National Health Center Week 2023, we invite you to support Macoupin Community Health Centers, Inc. to celebrate our mission and accomplishments.
Christy Blank
CEO/Public Health Administrator
Macoupin Community Health Centers, Inc.
Macoupin County Public Health Department
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