It's a dog eat dog world.

So in the news recently is Toronto Humane Society man Tre Smith. For those who don't know the story, this Humane Society officer responded to a call where he found full grown rottweiler locked in a 'sweltering' automobile. The officer believed the dog was close to death and broke the window to get the dog.

This got the attention of car owner who then confronted Smith. What was said and who was the more aggressive of the two is not clear, and is in dispute. Smith left the dog owner hand-cuffed to his (the dog owner's) car while he took the dog away for what is presumed to be life saving care.

So when Metro Police arrived, they found the dog owner still handcuffed and moderately beaten; including missing several teeth I believe. While this incident is being investigated Smith has been suspended from active duty by the Toronto Humane Society.

Since then, there has been an outpouring of support for Officer Smith as well as shock and disbelief that the humane society would do this when Smith was doing what the public perceives as his job.

So because this is a contentious issue, I've decided to throw my two cents into the pot. Here it is: not only should he be suspended, he should at the very least be severely reprimanded or even lose his job.

Here's my rationale: he left the dog owner handcuffed to the car, with angry civilians around. The handcuffs negate the man's ability to defend himself from the attacks that followed. If he (Smith) felt strongly enough the man should be handcuffed, then Smith should have waited for police to arrive before he left the scene.

Also note, in the pictures of Smith in the media, when he is in uniform, he has what the military world would call "sergeant stripes" on his shoulders. In and out of the military, these chevrons invariably denote someone with years of experience, leadership, and more than just a working knowledge of rules and regulations.

I laud Smith's intentions and motives, but were I his supervisor, I would have suspended him too. At the point of writing this, and based on available information, what it boils down to is he left the dog owner handcuffed and unable to defend himself. Not to worry, I see the irony very clear.

I hope more information comes out because the way i see it right now, both Smith and the dog owner deserve punishment. I say this as a dog lover (I still love cats more though). Smith should have waited for the police, or not used the handcuffs.

I have no doubt that Officer Smith's intentions were good, but you know what they say about good intentions.

Be well all.