Ernie Bradley, North Manchester, with his dog, Mick. Bradley will be participating in the upcoming Freeze Don’t Shoot march in Indianapolis.

On Oct. 25, 2014, the capital cities of all 50 states will be inundated with residents united in an effort to put an end to police violence toward family dogs. Among those making the trek to Indiana’s “Freeze Don’t Shoot” march in Indianapolis is North Manchester native Ernie Bradley. Bradley has become very involved in the cause following an incident in March that resulted in both of his Newfoundland dogs being shot.

While pursuing a suspect in an unrelated drug case, officers crossed from the neighboring Herbert Taylor Nature Preserve area onto Bradley’s 15-acre property. The two dogs, who typically sleep on the porch, quickly ran to greet them. Officers later explained to Bradley that the large Newfoundland dogs then attacked, requiring defensive measures.

Kramer, who was eight years old at the time, died from the gunshots while Mick, now a year-and-a-half-old, survived despite being shot through the head. While speaking of Kramer, Bradley stated that there was “no better dog.” He added that Mick always has his tongue hanging out and his tail wagging.

Prior to the incident Bradley said his dogs have always been quick to draw the affection of visitors, stating the UPS man would bring treats for them when delivering packages. He also noted that he had not once had an issue with them being aggressive toward his four-year-old grandson, who lives with him.

The parties involved have since come to a settlement out of court. Bradley stated  he has also since built a fence around his land to prevent any future harm to his pets, but added,  “I live on 15 acres, I shouldn’t have to worry about putting up a fence.” He hopes that through stories like his and events like the national “Freeze, Don’t Shoot” march that there will be a greater push for action in response to such cases.

Bradley feels that the tragic incident is just a small example of a much larger problem, citing that the United States’ war on drugs is beginning to take precedence over people’s Fourth Amendment rights. He also pointed to former Governor Mitch Daniels deputizing of officers as a serious problem, explaining that officers who live and work in town need to have the proper training if they are going to operate in more rural areas of the state.  He points to Colorado’s passing a law requiring officers to take a three-hour online course on dog behavior and safe methods for officers to control them as the direction other states need to strive for.

Bradley remains optimistic, and stated that he is grateful Mick was able to make a full recovery, but feels there is still a great deal of work to do and every bit of support matters.