I came across this headline in my timeline just days after the Philando Castile verdict, “Jury Awards $1.26 Million For Dog Shot, Killed By Police Officer.” My honest and immediate reaction was WTF! Then I go on to read this:

“The verdict sends a strong message to the police about how community expectations,” said counsel for the plaintiff, Cary J. Hansel. “The duty to serve and protect extends to our animal family members as well. Shooting Vern was senseless, unnecessary and unconstitutional.”

Then I can’t help but laugh in disgust, not shock just disgust. I’m not shocked because have on numerous occasions that “they” care about animals more than “they” care about a black life and this verdict speaks volumes.

“I mean you’re trained to use pepper spray, mace, a baton, there were so many things that I think could been avoided,” said the dog’s owner, Patrick Reeves.

It amazes me how logic and reasoning can be used in the shooting death of a dog but not a black man, a black woman, or even a black child.

It was clear from the officer’s response on the live recorded by Castile’s girlfriend that the officer acted irrationally. Castile did everything right and still lost his live and his killer is free but a cop shoots a dog and the family gets justice, over a million dollars in justice. I’m sick.