Obviously I wasn't there but I doubt this dog really looked like it had rabies. Howling doesn't sound threatening to me and beagles aren't big or scary looking. The dog had a collar and tags so he knew it was owned. In every town I've lived you cannot get a tag without a current rabies shot though I realize he couldn't tell what the tag said.

I think IRescue452 has the best point, if the officer really suspected rabies the body should not have been left there for other animals to eat and spread the disease. This officer may be sorry but he deserves strong discipline. How many dogs need to be shot before officers are better trained?