Letter to Editor: Don't Settle Lawsuit Involving K-9 Dog

Dear Editor:

Our city administration has seen a “frenzy” of litigation followed by big settlements.

The present case of four Ocean City police officers is very different and ominous from all the others. The police carry guns and also are supposedly in control of a German Shepherd, Deuce. 

Not so long ago there was a street disturbance where Deuce and a dog owned by the Pyle family had a snarling exchange. When the dust settled the officer ‘handling’ Deuce shot and killed the Pyle’s dog. 

I recently learned that a young man, JM, who was allegedly subdued by the police was the victim of a Deuce attack. His genital area was the focus of this assault. This case is going to the District Court shortly.

The most recent Deuce victim, Mr. Robert Petnick, demands citizen awareness, oversight, and action if necessary. Again, a person allegedly subdued by the police is forced to experience a vicious dog attack.

If Deuce is out of control, he must be permanently retired from the OCPD.

If JM and Mr. Petnick were not subdued; if they put up resistance that was a clear and immediate threat to the officers and/or onlookers, then the attack by Deuce should be defended by the administration, full force!

If, however, the police abused their authority by allowing these vicious attacks on defenseless people, the officers need to be placed on immediate administrative leave pending an independent investigation. If the study concludes that the police abused their authority, they should be fired immediately and criminal charges pursued.

No whitewash, no internal police investigation, no hush money, no settlement in a case of possible police criminality. You, me, a neighbor, a relative, a child are all at risk the next time, if we do otherwise.

Steven Fenichel
Ocean City