An off-duty police officer in Colorado Springs and his pet dog were knocked down by a vehicle when they were out for a walk. The tragic incident happened at an intersection on Feb. 8 shortly before 5 p.m.
Officer injured, dog dies after being struck by vehicle
While the off-duty officer sustained non-life-threatening injuries, was rushed to hospital for treatment, and released on the same day, unfortunately, the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) confirmed the crash left the dog dead.
Authorities later arrested a suspect, whom they charged with second-degree assault and aggravated animal cruelty, as reported by Fox 21 News.
Like almost all dog owners, walking your dogs regularly may be one of the most enjoyable activities to do together. For this reason, it’s important to observe basic life-saving precautions while at it. These safety precautions can play a big role in ensuring your dog walking session doesn’t end in tragedy.
Laura Lambert — a professional dog breeder and owner of Dragonfly dog products — advised dog owners to be extra careful while walking their pets near roads. “It’s essential to train your dog to walk calmly on pavements and to stop straight away at zebra crossings,” she explained. “This will help walks near busy roads become less frightening [for your dog] and a natural part of your everyday routine.”
She further advised dog owners to “avoid rush hour times in the morning and evening when drivers are likely to be less patient.”
Lambert also shared that it’s best for dog owners who walk their dogs near busy roads to use non-retractable leads. “If you frequently walk on roads, we highly recommend using non-retractable leads. This type [s] of leads allows you to keep your dog closer by your side.”
Other precautions to keep in mind while walking your dog near busy roads include:
- Try as much as you can to face oncoming traffic while walking your dog.
- Obey all road rules and observe all traffic signals.
- Always walk on sidewalks. If there are no sidewalks, try to walk as far from traffic as possible.
- Stay alert at all times; avoid being on your phone while walking your dog.
