The Tangled Branch Discussion Forums

ASPCA

Dogs run loose in the streets
after thunderstorms
that scare them into pulling free
from their tethers,
and jumping fences.

This dog was spotted in a neighborhood
that values peace and order:
a doberman pinscher.
Animal control was called
and they responded--got it cornered.

It's well-known dobermans are used
as attack dogs and can be vicious
so the control officials
shot it. It howled loudly
in the throes of death. Passers by
watched until it fell silent.

.

The poem has a dashed-off narrative feel to it, so it's not up to your usual poetic standard but I understand, given the subject matter.

Is that typical animal control behaviour in the US, to shoot the animal dead because it might be vicious?      

Thank you both mur and Mark,

I did write it in a fit of frustration. Cops will shoot a stray dog if someone reports it as displaying questionable behavior. Pit bulls and dobermans are considered questionable just by their breed. Some cops will strangle people to death in the street for even less--some people that is.

Interesting irony.  Dogs amid violence vs non-violence.  The title fits well in that struggle b/c ASPCA is no kill, right?  But I do wonder why ASPCA is the title since it's not a part of the poem.

I love dogs, but heard a theory we conform them to our needs--leashed, fenced, etc.  Instead of roaming free.  I cannot live w/o dogs as pets, but do feel bad...

Strong start!