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Active shooter dogs: Can this Florida school's novel move help prevent future massacres?

The idea has its takers but some netizens criticize how America does 'everything to address gun violence, except enact gun laws'

Following the horrific school shootings in Parkland and Uvalde, Texas, a private school in Southwest Florida has added an extra four-legged layer of security to keep children safe. K9 Colby works at The Village School in Naples and is one of only three 'Skool Dogs' in the country, and the only one in Florida. She specializes in reacting to active shooter situations and gunpowder scents.

K9 Colby was anonymously donated to the school two years ago after the horrific 2018 massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Colby and Daniel, her handler and school resource officer, underwent several weeks of training and now spend their days patrolling the campus. In an interview with NBC station WBBH-TV, Officer Daniel said, “We are both certified as an active shooter response team to threats and things like that.” He added, “She allows us to do our job better and then have resources to detect or deter if need be [...] She will not hesitate to do what she is trained to do. If there are gunshots, she will actually take the K-9 handler toward them.”

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A lone gunman entered Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, on May 24 and fatally shot 19 children and two instructors, making it the deadliest school shooting since Sandy Hook. Ever since the massacre rocked the country, Colby's presence on the playground has been a source of solace for Naples parents. School principal Dennis Chapman said parents are relieved that the duo is always around, scouring and securing the property. “All the money we’ve invested into safety and security has come through donations. Our parents are very passionate about keeping their children safe," Chapman added. 

'Not a bad idea'

The novel solution inspired a debate on Twitter as netizens weighed the pros and cons in the wake of the most recent tragedy. One user wrote, “Not a bad idea; gun seeking killer dogs in schools... I think you're on to something here.” Another said, “Florida is using Active Shooter dogs” lmao. We here to do everything as a country to address gun violence, except enact gun laws.”

Someone said, “Right? Because clearly it didn't make any real difference in their cowardice. I just saw an article where they're going to train dogs to go after an active shooter. A dog. After an active shooter. That'll do it I'm sure.😒” Another chimed in, “Why not take all the dogs you kill every year, train them as an active shooter dog, and place a dog or even a few in schools??????”