Use of stun gun on dogwalker was within policy, National Park Service says
Using a stun gun to subdue a man whose dog was unleashed was not a violation of policy, the National Park Service says.
The park service’s Office of Professional Responsibility cleared ranger Sarah Cavallaro of potential discipline in April, the San Francisco Chronicle reported Tuesday.
Cavallaro used a stun gun on Gary Hesterberg, 51, after detaining him for walking at least one of his dogs without a leash in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in January. She said Hesterberg gave her a false name and refused repeated orders to remain at the scene.
This week, Rep. Jackie Speier released a letter she received from Frank Dean, the general superintendent of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. It said Cavallaro’s use of the stun gun was “within policy and consistent with the training she received.”
Speier, who believes using the stun gun “reeks of inappropriate use of power,” has been trying to get the park service to discuss the findings of its investigation into the incident since April, but had been told they are confidential.
“…The way the (park service) has handled it since they’ve completed the investigation reflects a sense of arrogance,” she said.
Hesterberg was arrested on suspicion of failing to obey a lawful order, having dogs off-leash and providing false information, but San Mateo County prosecutors declined to charge him.
A lawyer representing Hesterberg filed a $500,000 claim with the park service last month.
(Photo: San Francisco Chronicle)
Posted by jwoestendiek August 30th, 2012 under Muttsblog.
Tags: animals, discipline, dog, dogs, dogwalking, findings, gary hesterberg, golden gate national recreation area, investigation, jackie speier, leashes, national park service, park ranger, pets, policy, stun gun, unleashed
Comments
Comment from vida
Time August 30, 2012 at 6:32 pm
I agree with the dog walker here, it reeks. And one of the major problems with the tazers and such is you get punished whether you end up charged or not. It’s rather like getting beat up at a demo and then let go. Same problem, punishment shouldn’t proceed conviction. And we don’t officially condone torture, unless people in charge do it I guess. Sigh, long day lead to cynical views. Sorry
Comment from Roger J.
Time August 31, 2012 at 10:17 pm
Using a stun gun seems a little to much force unless she determined that Hesterberg was a threat to her. All I see is some one who failed to follow the rules
Comment from Miss Jan
Time September 1, 2012 at 2:18 pm
I agree with all the previous comments. As a paralegal of many years and familiar with similar situations, this park ranger was not only completely out of line but should herself be charged with use of deadly force especially after Mr. Hesterberg verbally advised her that he had a heart condition – she therefore knew that if she tasered him (which she did after he turned away – she nailed him in the back, according to witneses) he likely would die. Fortunately, he didn’t – and I hope he prevails in his civil suit. If readers want to look further into this incident and why so many feel this particular ranger is a rogue they should check some of the local area newspapers which are online – just google her name. This is not the first time she has behaved very, very badly. For some reason (we can only guess….) the local park service officials are backing her up when in everyone’s opinion (outside the park service that is) including that of a local congressional representative the ranger should be fired.
Comment from smoketoomuch
Time September 6, 2012 at 9:56 am
While I would never let my Pom off leash in a wide open public area (she’s simply too easily excited) I’ve known plenty of dogs who behave extremely well untethered.
No one knows better than the owner how their particular dog will behave off leash, so I’m inclined to give most owners the benefit of the doubt in that situation. That said, I understand the need for the rule (some people have little to no concern for others or their pets (probably the same folks who refuse to clean up after their dogs). However this particular park ranger crossed a line in my opinion. There was nothing there that even remotely called for the use of a Taser. and with this ruling the Park Service is simply covering it’s ass, at the very least Sarah Cavallaro should be on permanent desk duty, and, were I her immediate superior, she would never again be allowed access to a stun gun of any kind. What ever happened to good judgement and common sense?
Comment from smoketoomuch
Time September 6, 2012 at 2:47 pm
To add; in my opinion, the DA’s refusal to prosecute Mr. Hesterburg negates any possible justification the Park service may think they have for condoning the use of the Taser. The Government can’t have it both ways. Either he violated some law that warranted his tasing, in which case he should be prosecuted, or he didn’t, in which case the Park Service, in the person of Ranger Cavallaro was wrong to use the stun device.
Anyway, that’s my two cents….
Comment from JOHN HEALY
Time August 30, 2012 at 4:46 pm
WHAT A SICK AND SADIST PARK RANGER THIS PERSON IS.