Guns, Knives, Beer Bottles, and Dogs...All Deadly Weapons
Yes, that’s right. California law recognizes even seemingly innocent objects such as beer bottles and animals such as dogs as deadly weapons…that is, if used in a manner that is likely to cause a serious injury to another.
If, for example, Bob is in a bar brawl…and smashes a beer bottle over Mike’s head…prosecutors could charge him with assault with a deadly weapon. Similarly, if Sue instructs her dog to attack Phil, the dog qualifies as a deadly weapon.
But what about police dogs? These dogs are by definition deadly weapons, since they are trained to attack on command. And while it’s true that they are useful tools for cops, when used inappropriately, police dogs and the police who command them are abusing their power.
And let’s face it, animals are unpredictable. At any time, a dog, even a trained police dog, can ignore its commands or break free from its owner. And when it does, the results can be terrifying, unjust, and even illegal.
