Ditto from me. My dog is my little girl now that my daughters are married with children and pets of their own.

Phx08 This is the reason the family wants the law to change. From what I see and feel someone let the two dogs in the pen to begin with. They would not both jump a high fence to get into that area. No one will know except the man who mercifully shot the two dogs. My heart goes out to the family.

Phx08 may be commenting on the last part of the article that references to a 2012 incident where a family's dog was shot in Roxborough. The police did not even investigate.

http://roxborough.patch.com/articles/resident-s-dog-shot-killed-on-leverington-avenue

Thank you, Kevin. I should've specified which article I was talking about. The dog is Roxborough was 100% innocent. As for the dogs going after the livestock, there is no report indicating that the dogs were acting vicious or anything of the sort. For all intents and purposes, the report is that the dogs were herding dogs and thus acting on their biological need to herd livestock. I don't see any reason for the man to kill the animals before trying to shoo them off his property without a violent act.

The perception of a threat and an actual threat are different. If we all acted with violence when we perceived a threat there would be many more injuries and deaths inflicted on animal and people. Fearing for one's life has to be proven to be a substantial defense. We don't have the facts but I think it is highly unlikely that the neighbors' domesticated dogs were really threatening the sheep. A couple of shots into the ground would have made the level of noise that dog's pay attention to.

According to the article in today's paper, the dogs somehow got into the sheep pen, which was too high to jump, and the poor second dog was shot while cowering in the corner of the pen. That sounds pretty innocent to me... in fact, this case should be examined closely, because it doesn't sound like the dogs were "In the act of pursing, wounding or killing a domestic animal" - which is how the law reads. ...it seems plausible that the gun-happy neighbor actually let the dogs into the pen so he could shoot them.If so, I hope he winds up paying dearly.

No, as described in the report, they were not.

That is what shepard's are for, not guns.

The dogs were not allowed to roam, they were away from their home for 15 minutes, and the owner was in pursuit of the dogs. One dog was shot at point blank range, and the second was shot cowering near a fence. There was not a thorough investigation, as it is suspect as to how the dogs actually got into the fenced in area. The dogs are hearing animals and were doing what comes naturally. The home where the dogs were shot was in a residential area, with children's swing sets near y. This happened on a property totalling less then 4 acres. Just thought youn should have all the facts prior to commenting.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are herders by natural breed. Thats what they were doing to the sheep. Trying to heard them. If you know anything about these breeds they are wonderful loving dogs and non-threatening at all. Its sad because I know all my neighbors, I know all my neighbors pets, and have been over all my neighbors houses. I guess some people are different and not sure how long they have lived next to each other but the one doing the shooting should have known better.

Give me a break. That's the dumbest thing I've ever read. If you knew anything about this breed of dog you'd definitely stick your foot in your mouth. People need to be more educated about dogs because if this man was educated, those dogs would still be alive. What the law needs to review is who should be allowed to own a gun.

According to the report, they were not a threat.

oh just shut up. you're disgusting if you defend this behavior.

SS I've seen enough of this particular breed to know they aren't what you think they are - and I suspect YOU don't know this breed at all. A neighbor a half mile up the road from me had a pair of those monsters. When they broke free and were out roaming they a terror to deal with. They are highly territorial and will attack if you approach their property. I can't begin to tell you how many times one of them would chase or attack me when I was out jogging. When they were out free they were a terror. Good news is the people who had those things moved about a year and a half ago.

Nabob....are you talking about the BMD? You can't be..."If there's only one word to describe the Bernese Mountain Dog, it's "loyal". The chief goal of the BMD's life is to be a loyal, helpful companion to you and your family.
This has its advantages & its disadvantages, of course. The chief advantage of the BMD's friendly temperament is the ability the dogs have to integrate themselves into virtually any kind of family environment. Children or other household animals are not a problem whatsoever for the BMD. The BM's herding instincts make it a natural with animals (or children) that it perceives as "lower" than itself in the pack hierarchy, & the dogs will serve as ideal watchdogs & protectors for even the most recalcitrant of children or the most vicious of cats.
The chief disadvantage of the BMD's temperament, however, is its neediness. The BMD has a powerful, genetically-rooted need to please its humans. The BMD will try assiduously to please you, it doesn't have some of the cunning other breeds exhibit.
Another major quality of the BMD is its laziness--surprisingly, given its genetic heritage. The BMD is only willing to exert large amounts of energy for fairly short periods of time, preferring to simply be with its humans or to engage in short bursts of work followed by rest. It can be an extremely positive quality if you're used to dogs whose abundance of energy leads to destructive behavior if you leave them alone for more than an hour or two."

Pam your a friggin MORON , it has already been proven that the dogs were not anywhere near the sheep. Keep your idiotic views to yourself until you understand the facts and the breed of sog

Exactly! There was no need to shoot and kill the poor dogs.

Charlie well said!!! I couldn't agree more.

I am inclined to agree....The law as it is written doesn't protect this man in any way....they were not harming his sheep....he needs to be brought to justice. It won't bring back the family pets, nothing can change the way the family and community feels about this...but perhaps this man can face consequences for such harsh decisions. If nothing else, he could at least show a little remorse.

Agree--he should pack up and leave the area. People like this do not deserve to live amongst sane, caring individuals who have loving pets. Outta here man with the gun.

Any sensible "animal lover" would know that a dog that isn't trained to herd isn't really herding. They are playing, and that play can get out of hand and turn deadly in the blink of an eye. I'm not supporting this guy, but let's be honest here.

For what it's worth, the shooter comes off as an angry, inbred, Pennsyl-tucky POS. When questioned about killing the two dogs, he says "I shoot first". Does that really sound a good guy 'who cares for animals'... I hate it when unleashed dogs run up on me too. I usually just swat the dog away and give the owner some serious stinkeye. It has NEVER occurred to me to SHOOT the dog, the owners maybe, but never the dog.

Anything or anyone may be seen as a threat to another, should we all just shoot the things which threaten to shake our fabled sense of security?

@Linda G... the guy sends his animals to slaughter... that's not my idea of good care.He obviously has no respect for others' lives or property.

Elaine Benedetti, you wouldn't perhaps be a meat eater would you? After that post please tell me you don't consider lamb to be a delicacy. Please tell me you don't enjoy pork, beef or chicken.

I concur Gaye but would also include Rich.

You have made the case for why the law should be re-visited. It is written too black and white, and in cases like this there is gray area that needs to be fairly examined.

Like I said in an earlier post. How could the Bernese have gotten into the fenced area where there sheep were being kept, unless the owner of the sheep did not have a secured fenced in area?

The law doesn't need to be revisited. The law protects farmer's and their right and ability to earn a living. If the dogs in the case were not "in the act of pursuing or wounding or killing and domestic animal" then he is not within his legal rights and will be prosecuted. However the law needs to be there to protect livestock in the event of an actual attack.

What if they were? Most pit bulls are fine dogs. My son's (Kenzie) is 80 pound of muscle and energy. The greatest danger she presents is that she might make you face wet when she goes bananas trying to lick it. Like most Pit-bulls that have not been bread to fight, she is just a dog that loves people.

No they were Bernese mountain dogs - bred to herd sheep - they are beautiful dogs that are gentle with kids. What makes you think a pit bull would go after a sheep? Only if it were taught to go after sheep. I've met meaner chiwawa's

Ines Stelzer. I suggest you learn a little about the breed. Yes, they are beautiful looking dogs and are probably typically gentle with the children in the family. They also are well documented to exhibit Rage Syndrome that certain breeds of dogs exhibit. Do a little research and you will see that this breed is known for both aggression problems toward strangers and that it suffer from what is known as Rage Syndrome. It has a propensity to rage that can be triggered for any reason or no reason.

Nabob, I think what you are really trying to say is that the natural instinct of a TERRIER is for going after animals. They are hunting dogs. I would have been cautious depending upon the animal...but I would have waited and watched...perhaps been prepared, but would not have shot an innocent animal trotting towards me or cowardly trying to run and hide. There are different breeds with different instincts. I can see where a terrier might go for an animal....this just isn't the case here.

Nabob," A Dutch questionnaire based study carried out on four hundred and four Bernese Mountain Dogs showed twenty percent had showed intermittent attacks towards their owners." http://www.best-behaviour.com/rage-syndrome.html

"The good news is that true idiopathic aggression is also a particularly uncommon condition. " http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/7_6/features/Rage-Syndrome-In-Dogs_5639-1.html

"Although the scientific evidence is limited, rage syndrome has been described as an epileptic disorder affecting the emotion-related parts of the dog's brain.[9] There is also some evidence that in at least some cases it is an inheritable genetic disorder." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rage_syndrome

Now then, I have given you information to base a better opinion on, and done the research for you and others interested in BMD's and this Rage Syndrome you keep talking about. Neither of these dogs, or the 80% of others, display traits of this disease. It is mostly seen in English and Cocker Spaniels. Would you shoot a cocker spaniel, a dog smaller? if it were near your sheep? The whole point here is what happened....the sadness of it all and that the actions of Mr. Pilotti were unacceptable considering the circumstances. These dogs showed NO aggression towards him, in fact, the male was seen trotting towards him and the female ran away. Mr. Pilotti was wrong, and the system will take care of that.

No. He shot 2 pit bulls earlier that were killing his neighbors livestock.

Obviously, by his making excuses for his actions (shoot first and then again at a cowering poor dog) he doesn't care. I hope justice pervails here. He is a poor excuse for a human being. Good analysis Richard Weisgrau1

What a loser he is--shooting innocent herding Burmese mountain dogs who are gentle and loving children's pets. I hope he pays dearly.

Well then if we want to be informed there are holes in the bock's story too. If they were in fact in pursuit of their dogs as they say then why as stated in the police report did the officer call and then go to the Bock's home. You can't be actively pursuing from your home.

Truth Seeker, you must have missed the part where she saw the police and spoke with them outside Mr Pilotti's home. Don't you think he'd tell her at this point that the dogs were shot and he'd be over to discuss with them after he'd taken report from Mr. Pilotti? Makes sense to me.

Agree Judy--especially after reading how the incident unfolded. He should pay with being incarcerated himself--especially when he says "I shoot first".

Wild dogs in Fairmount Park (PHILADELPIA) German Shepherd from Andorra (PHILADELPHIA) Collies and Cockers from West Mount Airy (PHILADELPHIA) all sound like they as well came from "irresponsible dogs owners".......IN THE CITY............jussayin'.

Keep in mind this is Chester Springs, (but it could have been anywhere).........his sheep were not harmed, and what exactly was he planning to do with his sheep after they were shorn???......slaughter the newborns perhaps?

Give me a break. Please don't try to paint this murderous yokel as some honest guy who was simply protecting his flock. Have even you read the articles? These weren't wolves of feral ex-fighting dogs. They were family pets, and the shooter apparently got close enough to shoot one of them in the face with a shotgun, so he undoubtedly could've made that assessment for himself.

This person does not keep sheep for a livelihood. These Burmese mountain dogs were innocent, and are gentle family pets.

Agree--so sad for the dogs and the family.

Can the Pug herd Pillotti somewhere far away?

Where were you? 4 years old and you let this dog run up to your 4 year old?

robert~ where she was isn't the point. it's stated they were visiting. the point is, that a dog that no one believed had a mean bone in it's body attacked her child. the point was to remind us that we can not predict that behavior. I was once bit by a dog, playing in the yard at my uncles. The dog came out of the bushes in the blink of an eye. My parents were there, there was no way they could have reached me before the dog.

So true. I can relate to that--my dog is my little girl!

Any dog that is not trained is not really herding. That's the problem, without training a game can become lethal quickly.

Truth Seeker.....just because these dogs weren't 'trained' to herd doesn't mean they don't know how. It's their natural instinct. Like Border Collies, Sheep dogs....it's what they do. Just like animals in the wild aren't trained, it's a natural instinct. We domesticate our animals...but that does not take away instinct. I bet the sheep allowed themselves to be herded, fearing no threats. I know you are playing devils advocate, and that you don't agree with what happened in this particular incident, but you concede that the family didn't know there was a problem with their fence, and the dogs were noted to be gone within 5 minutes and she was out looking for them. If they were owners that just let their dogs roam where and when they wanted, yes, that's irresponsible. If the dogs were hurting the sheep, yes, that would have been a problem as well, but this was not the case. The whole uproar here is this particular incident...what happened and what could have been avoided....not everyone else, not other irresponsible people or pet owners. I understand your feelings - my pets are my children....and even children get lost sometimes and wander off. It happens. This is life. We are not arguing or disagreeing that accidents happen. This is about his inappropriate actions in this particular incident. Is there any particular reason you can't understand the situation was wrong and that's what the majority of these comments are all about. The sadness and unfairness.

I would hope that he would feel responsible. I know that if any of my animals, pet or livestock get away, I AM AT FAULT.

Agree wholeheartedly!

And this is the problem with our society. You twist things to support your feelings. Clearly there is a difference between a dog coming up to you for attention and a dog pursuing or endagering livestock. It sounds like in this case killing the dogs was wrong. However an untrained herding dog's game can turn deadly. I personally feel like keeping herding/working dogs in a house without a job to do/or lots of room to run and play to be cruel, but it's your right to do so, probably why so many end up in shelters. At the same time it is my right to protect what is mine on MY property because if your dog is on my property it isn't where it belongs and not properly restrained, and I believe is in violation of the law.

Should be!

Ditto1

you have nothing to worry about if your dog is where it belongs. If your dog is not where it belongs YOU are responsible for what happens.

Hi Assaggiatore:
I would get you the coals for grilling and see to it that he is turned until burned to a crisp.

I do support the right to protect my livestock on MY property when your dog is posing an immediate threat to my animals. Obvously I know my neighbors dogs and would try something else first. I would never even consider shooting a child, that is insane, and you lose all credibility with me suggesting protecting my animals from death on MY property makes me a step away from a child/human killer. Get a grip.

"truth seeker" -- pay attention! Read Saturday's Philadelphia Inquirer. Pilotti has told the police that the dogs were NOT posing a threat to his animals, they were not even near the sheep. He shot one dog walking slowly toward him, and the other dog running away. He was NOT protecting his livestock. That's why he is now being charged with crimes. He was shooting for the fun of it. That kind of shooter is a dangerous person, and it DOES make him a step away from a killer of people.

Control your dogs? That's your solution? Every dog owner knows that although you may be the best owner, your dog will escape. These dogs were very young (1 and 2 years old), and probably excited to be able to explore what lies beyond their fence. You should be ashamed of yourself for being so heartless when an innocent family is grieving their 2 beloved pets that were innocently exploring their surroundings. You make me sick.

don't feed the trolls, it'll only encourage them

Taco king is right, keep your dogs where they belong. Yes, things happen, but if they do YOU need to accept that YOU failed your responsibility. If your dog causes damage it is your fault. In this case certianly it sounds like something else could have been done, but not all cases are the same.

By the way, I can't tell you how many stray dogs we've corraled until their owners could come for them. We look on their collars, we call the owner, and we keep the dog safe until they can come for them. That's exactly what we'd want them to do for us. If the dog doesn't have a collar we ask the neighbors if they know who owns the animal. We canvas the neighborhood if we have to. Who shoots stray dogs? At least twice I've brought our neighbor's horse home. Once I saw a heifer roaming on Merlin Road, got it off the road, then located the owner. Once I saw a horse in distress with fence wire around his leg. The owner wasn't home so I located a farmer who raised cattle and we removed the wire together. How hard would it have been for that man to round up the pups and wait a bit until he saw someone driving around looking for them?

Nabob,

Thank you for pointing out the misconceptions that we can have about dogs. While it is very clear that the dogs in this case were not doing harm the fact remains that some dogs are more prone to be violent that others when it comes to strangers. I remember my days in the Marine Corps when Dobermans and German Shepherds were used in a variety of capacities from sentry to scout. Those dogs had allegiance to their handlers only. Everyone else was just a possible target that would be attacked on command of the handler or if the handler was attacked. It clearly demonstrated the basic instincts of those breeds. They love those they love and all others be wary.

That is not a condemnation of war dogs, which saved a lot of lives in conflicts since WWII. I was always happy to be on a patrol with a dog. The dog would sense trouble long before we humans could. They would fight when called upon, and their opponents usually faired poorly. Dogs can be great and they can be very dangerous.

Keep parading the bogeyman. The real danger to the community is (hopefully, was) Mr. Pilotti.

David, I can only say that unless you've been attacked by this breed or dealt with them first hand you don't understand what this particular owner saw or was facing