MCOLES State Licensing Practice Exam

If a dog begins attacking your partner on scene, what should you do?

1. Run away

2. Call animal control

3. Shoot the dog

4. Try to scare it away

The correct answer is: Shoot the dog

Shooting a dog that is attacking your partner may seem like a desperate measure, but it can be justified in certain circumstances. The primary concern in any situation involving aggressive animals is the safety of individuals involved. If a dog poses an immediate threat to a person, and there are no other alternatives to neutralize that threat, the use of lethal force may be warranted to protect someone from serious injury or death. It is vital to note that this approach should only be taken if there are no options available to safely intervene; in many cases, non-lethal responses might be more appropriate or viable. Situational awareness also plays a role here; assessing the dog's behavior and the context of the attack is critical. However, if someone is in immediate danger and no other measures are effective or safe, this action could be viewed as a necessary last resort to ensure their safety.