Shoots Pit Bull

Shoots Pit Bull

OILDALE, Calif. -- A sheriff's deputy shot a pit bull during an investigation, and the dog's owner says it was law enforcement's fault.

It's a case of conflicting accounts that resulted in a dog being shot.

The animal owner said the deputy let the dog out when he opened the door, and law enforcement said the dog broke through an unlatched security gate Tuesday afternoon, charging the deputy.

The dog was shot during the tail end of an investigation where deputies responded to a disturbance at the same address.

"I saw the cop with his gun drawn, and I said, 'What happened?' and he told me he shot the dog," said Crystal Kendrick, the dog owner's roommate.

The officer first tried to use less lethal force to stop the dog, but that did not work.

"He did attempt to fend the dog off with his baton, but he was not successful. So he did resort to using his firearm," said Ray Pruitt, Kern County Sheriff's Office.

During the investigation, the dog was locked into a back bedroom. The owner said the deputy was wrong for shooting his dog because the investigation was over, and the deputy came back.

"I told the officer I was releasing the dog from the bedroom and back into the house because the deputy said he is done with us. My thought is that he opened the screen because there's no way he busted through the screen. The latch was closed. This is a pretty good security screen door," said Kendrick.

Law enforcement said the dog attacked the deputy before he shot the animal.

"The pit bill ran towards the security door and was able to push it open because it wasn't latched and ran through the door out towards the deputy," said Pruitt.

Residents said the reinforced security door was locked, and the only way the dog got out was by the deputy's hand.

"There's no reason for him to be coming back in and helping himself back into the house after the investigation was over," said Kendrick.

The dog was hit three times but is expected to make a full recovery because no vital organs were hit; the shots went clear through.

Do you have more information about this story? Contact us

Gates, N.Y. Police Department Sergeant Anthony S. Perry Brags

Gates, N.Y. Police Department Sergeant Anthony S. Perry Brags: “I’ve Shot 12 Dogs, it is what it is.”, moments after Officer James Coughlin shoots Innocent Dog. Second Incident in Monroe County, N.Y. this Month.

“Chino”, the 3 year old American Bull Mastiff Shot by Gates, N.Y. Police officer James Coughlin.

By Davy V.

For the second time in just over three weeks, an innocent family pet has been shot by police in Upstate, New York.

This time it was at the hands of Gates, N.Y. Police department and officer James Coughlin.

Around 10:00 a.m. on Monday June 25, 2012, Jerome Johnson was in his home on Crestwood Blvd. in the Town of Gates, a suburb just outside Rochester, N.Y. when he heard “Chino”, his 3 year old American Bull Mastiff barking.

As Jerome’s son Jerome Jr., went out to check on the family’s dog, who was in the yard, Jerome Johnson and his wife heard what he described as a loud “Pow!” sound.

Jerome Johnson and his wife ran outside to find Gates N.Y Police officer James Coughlin with his gun in his hand and their beautiful dog “Chino” laying in a pool of his own blood with a gunshot wound to his left side.

When Jerome Johnson asked Gates, N.Y. police officer James Coughlin why he had just shot their dog, Coughlin replied “We don’t pepper spray, we shoot if we feel threatened.”

At this time Gates, N.Y. Police Sgt. Anthony S. Perry arrived at the scene. As Jerome Johnson and his wife who were consoling their son after he had just witnessed “Chino” being shot in front of him, Sgt. Perry told the family “I’ve shot 12 dogs before, it is what it is.” and smirked.

The family then rushed their pet to a local emergency animal hospital where Chino was put down as a result of his injuries. Jerome Johnson said “It was very hard to be there with him when they gave him the first shot and my son and all of us were crying.”

Jerome Johnson told me that a neighbor who recently moved on his street and doesn’t like the family, called 911 and falsely reported that “Chino” was running lose, when the truth was that he was on his own property, in his yard.

I called the Gates, N.Y. Police department, and a Gates Police officer that answered the phone refused to speak about the incident. I was transferred to a Lieutenant’s voicemail.

This is the second time in just over three weeks that Monroe County, N.Y. law enforcement has shot an innocent family dog on their own property.

On June 1, 2012, “Diablo”, a beautiful 7 year old blue pitbull was executed on his own property by Monroe County, N.Y. Sheriff’s deputies Sean LeClair and Matt Clancy in Penfield, N.Y. another suburb of Rochester. Both deputies shot at least 4 rounds with at least one of those shots going through the home’s garage door, ricocheting off the cement floor, going through a window and nearly missing a home next door.

Perhaps, one of the most disturbing things is that it appears that “Diablo” was shot in the back of his head, which would indicate that he was retreating, and not “charging” at deputies as Monroe County, N.Y. Sheriff Patrick O’Flynn stated.

At first, Monroe County, N.Y. Sheriff Patrick O’Flynn said that his deputies were
responding to a call of a house party at the Whitney Rd. home of Gary Brockler, “Diablo’s” owner. Less than 48 hours later, O’Flynn changed his story, saying that deputies Sean LeClair and Matt Clancy were responding to the residence for a vehicle that was parked illegally in front of the home.

Less than 2 weeks later, Monroe County, N.Y. Sheriff Patrick O’Flynn announced that his deputies were justified in their execution of an innocent dog.

UPDATE:

I just spoke with Mr. Jerome Johnson, “Chino’s” owner, who called me to tell me that he had just returned home a short while ago, when a neighbor who lives across the street from him told him that he witnessed the entire incident.

The neighbor said that he saw a Gates, N.Y. Police car pull up in front of the Johnson’s home and he then saw Gates, N.Y. Police officer James Coughlin get out and walk up to the residence. What the neighbor told Mr. Johnson that he saw next is very disturbing and shows that this was a premediated, senseless act of violence against an innocent dog.

The neighbor said that he observed Gates, N.Y. Police officer James Coughlin unsnap his gun from his holster, and look around as to see if anyone was looking. The neighbor then saw Gates, N.Y. Police officer James Coughlin fire one shot into “Chino.”

Call Gates, N.Y. Police Chief David R.DiCaro and Gates Town Supervisor Mark Assini and let them know how you feel about this injustice!

Gates, N.Y. Police Chief David R. DiCaro (585) 247-2262

Gates Town Supervisor Mark Assini (585) 247-6100

Boy, 10, watches cops shoot and kill his dog

MOUNT VERNON (WABC) -- Police shot and killed a pit bull in Mount Vernon Monday as the dog was allegedly attacking a man.

But the dog's 10-year-old owner, who was out walking the dog at the time, and eyewitnesses dispute the claim and say the alleged victim provoked the attack by hitting the animal with a 2x4 and strangling it.

Kenyatta Ali is still traumatized by what he witnessed on the 300 block of Union Avenue, where police shot and killed one of his best friends.

Mount Vernon city officials say that at about 11 a.m., the pit bull attacked a 29-year-old man and mauled him.

Investigators called it unprovoked, and authorities say police had no choice but to shoot the dog before it would release the victim.

However, several witnesses say it shouldn't have gotten to that point, and that it was all a terrible mistake that got horribly out of control.

"The boy was playing with his dog, and the man thought the dog was attacking him," witness Jovonne Bourdeau said.

She believes the would-be Good Samaritan, identified as Jason McCrae, tried to step in and help the boy by beating the dog with the 2x4. That's when the dog bit him.

"It was provoked," Kenyatta's brother Malcolm Easley said. "If people have sticks, hitting an animal that's not even his, and got his hands around the dog's neck, what you think you gonna do? Be bit, right?"

According to police, the dog's owner had previously been issued violations of animal control laws.

McCrae is still being treated at Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx.

Mayor defends pit-bull shooting

Mayor defends pit-bull shooting

MOUNT VERNON — The mayor defended police officers’ decision to shoot dead a pit bull that had attacked a would-be good Samaritan who mistakenly thought the dog was attacking a 12-year-old boy.

“If the police did not shoot the dog, the victim would have suffered even more severe injury,” Mayor Ernest Davis said Monday.

“Witnesses reported that the dog was savagely working his way up the victim’s arm,” the mayor added.

Police also said Monday afternoon that they’ve previously had contact with the dog and its owner, Jamal McDowell, who has been issued various violations of city ordinances in relation to animal control.

The would-be good Samaritan, Jason McCrae, 29, was badly bitten on the arm and was taken to Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx, officials said.

Police shot dead the 5-year-old dog named Mike. The dog was the 12-year-old’s family pet and was jumping on the boy to play when the incident began, said the boy’s uncle, Lance McDowell.

The attack happened about 12:30 p.m. Monday in the 300 block of Union Avenue, which is around the corner from the boy’s home.

Neighbors said they heard screaming during the attack and were unable to stop the dog from attacking McCrae.

When police arrived, the dog refused to follow commands to release the victim and “was shot three times before the victim was released from its grip,” according to a release from Davis’ office.

McDowell, who did not see the attack, said the owner tried to stop Mike. He said Mike was playful, not vicious. He said Mike was trying to protect his owner and was acting territorial.

“It was all a misunderstanding,” McDowell said of the attack.

McDowell said he understood why police shot Mike, but said they could have used a tranquilizer.

He said he thought the boy and his father would be “destroyed” that Mike was killed. The boy’s brother, Malcom Easley, 19, agreed with McDowell.

“He’s going to be upset for a while,” Easley said.

Easley said the dog was part of the family. He said Mike would run loose and play with other children on the block without problems.

Claiborne Deputy shoots and kills dog

Claiborne Deputy shoots and kills dog

KTBS (Louisiana

Posted on Tuesday, June 19, 2012 2:34:26 AM by Altariel

Michaela McCowen says she was sitting inside her house Thursday morning when she heard two gunshots in the yard. When she ran outside, she saw her dog lying in a pool of blood.

"She's on the ground and she's been shot and she's bleeding," said McCowen while standing outside her home in Athens, LA.

McCowen's 6-year old Golden Retriever, Tera, later died. She was shot twice by a Claiborne sheriff's detective.

"He saw the dog coming at him full speed, and showing his teeth. He told me he thought he was fixing to bite him," said Claiborne Sheriff Ken Bailey.

Sheriff Bailey says authorities were tracking some men who'd just tried to rob the bank in Athens when the shooting happened. Bailey says the detective felt threatened by the dog. McCowen says Tera, who was wearing a shock collar at the time, wouldn't have hurt a flea.

"She was so well-trained to stay inside of her area. She knew if she left her area for anything, she was getting shocked," said McCowen.

McCowen says what made the heartbreaking situation even worse is authorities showed no remorse. The sheriff says he couldn't be more sorry.

"I told the McCowens and I apologized for what happened, It's just an unfortunate incident. I hate it," said Bailey.

The sheriff says the shooting is being investigated. Michaela McCowen says she'd like to see more training when it comes to handling animals.

APD changes policy on dealing with aggressive dogs

APD changes policy on dealing with aggressive dogs

AUSTIN -- The shooting death of Cisco, a seven-year-old blue heeler in East Austin, and the following public outcry was an eye-opening experience for the Austin Police Department, giving supervisors the opportunity to compare their policies with those of police departments across the country.

In April, APD Officer Thomas Griffin was responding to a domestic disturbance call on East 5th Street. The caller gave the 911 operator the wrong address, which sent Griffin to the home of Michael Paxton. Paxton and his dog Cisco were outside when Griffin pulled up. Griffin says the dog charged at him, so he shot it.

Assistant Police Chief David Carter held meetings with reporters Tuesday afternoon to announce the findings of the investigation surrounding that shooting. He says the officer did not violate any policies and will not be disciplined. However, the department is going to make three changes.

From now on, all police cadets will undergo a two-hour training on dogs and what to do if they are approached by an aggressive dog. Other officers will have a condensed training and will have to take an online course.

The second change involves communications. When police are called out to a scene, the dispatcher will be expected to tell cops if there is history of an aggressive dog at that address. If there is, Animal Control will also be called out.

The final change effects APD policy. If a cop shoots a dog, he or she will have to give a detailed reason why in their police report. That report will be reviewed not only by that officer's supervisor but will be sent up the chain of command.

The training could start as early as Wednesday. The policy change will go into effect July 1.

Cicso's owner says he is happy with the changes. He told KVUE News, "Something is definitely better than nothing…and when it actually seems to be put into effect, I will be much happier.”

Police Officer Sued for Killing Dog

The owner of a dog that was shot and killed by a Fort Lauderdale Police officer is suing the cop and the city seeking damages.

Robert Clements filed the lawsuit Monday against Officer Pete Haritos over the May 4 shooting of Australian shepherd Bandy, according to the Sun-Sentinel.

“The way to get their attention is to go after the pocketbook. I’m still quite upset. My dog was one of my children and he was executed by police at the age of 7,” Clements said.

His lawsuit seeks for more than $15,000 in damages.

According to Clements, Bandy and two of his dogs escaped from his yard when a gate malfunctioned. Haritos was responding to calls complaining of the loose dogs when Bandy charged at him, according to a police report.

Haritos shot Brandy three times after he stomped his feet.

A Broward County animal care officer arrived shortly after the shooting, and Clements questions why the officer didn’t wait for the animal care officer to arrive.

The Fort Lauderdale Police Department has ruled the shooting was justified and refused to comment further citing the lawsuit.

Fort Lauderdale Officers are instructed to use deadly force only as a last resort, even with animals. A total of 13 dogs have been shot in Fort Lauderdale since 2009 and four have died, including Bandy, according to the Sun-Sentinel.

Deputy Shoots a Dog That Is Actually Dangerous: His Own

An Oakland County K9 officer fatally shot his own police dog today when the 5-year-old purebred German shepherd attacked him after recently showing signs of aggression, according to a news release.

The incident occurred at a veterinarian’s office, where the sheriff’s deputy had taken Gunner, who had been a member of the county’s K9 unit since 2007, the release said.

The deputy, a 23-year veteran of the department and 5-year police dog handler, took Gunner to the vet to explore “options available to curb his aggression,” police said. But while the deputy and the veterinarian were trying to attach a leash to the dog, Gunner leaped in a biting lunge toward the deputy’s face, and he blocked the dog with his forearm, the release said.

The dog kept biting the deputy and refused commands to let go, so the deputy drew his gun and shot him.

“This is an extremely sad situation,” Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said in a written statement. “These dogs are more than a police asset. They are beloved members of the department and the handler’s family.”

Wonder if they’ll keep that in mind when they’re dealing with other families’ “beloved members.”

Another dog killed by cop

Second Rally for Diablo, Upstate NY Pitbull Executed by Monroe County Sheriff’s Deputies

The incident below and pending rally was brought to my attention from Davy V., a longtime Rochester, NY-based police accountability activist that’ll soon be blogging here on CopBlock.org. Text used in the post was taken Facebook updates on Davy’s profile and the related Change.org petition. As is clear from the long list of related posts below, this is not an isolated incident. Today, police are trained to shoot dogs first, then ask questions later, if ever. It’s got to stop. -Pete

On Friday night employees of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office responded to the call that there was a house party on Whitney Road. When they arrived there was a car parked illegally in front of a house where a man was watching a movie inside and his dog was outside on the driveway without a leash because he had invisible fencing. The police officer(s) decided to walk up the man’s driveway and shoot his dog for no reason.

The officer said the dog was aggressive, but anyone who knew this dog painted a very different picture. Neighbors said this dog did not even bark that night and there was no reason for the officer to shoot him dead.

Let these overzealous police officers know that it is not okay for them to walk onto my property and kill my pet because they think they may pose a threat. Any dog owner or pet lover should sign this.

They had no right to murder this family member in cold blood and I am sick to think we pay our taxes so this ruthless practice can go on. If we do not do something about this, we all will not be able to leave our pets outdoors. Police have even been known to show up to the wrong house and shoot someones dog. This petition is simply saying that police officers are not above the law and should have to face what they have done in a court of law.

Please help me to get justice for Diablo.

Vallejo family stunned after idiot cop shoots, kills dog

A Vallejo family whose dog was shot and killed by a police officer Wednesday is demanding an apology from the city.

Police, meanwhile, have expressed regret over the incident, but have stopped short of taking responsibility for the death of "Belle," the family's 11-year-old Labrador mix. An official review is pending, department officials said Thursday.

The incident occurred about 12:10 p.m. Wednesday at 47 Kentucky St. Vallejo Police Officer Chase Calhoun was following up on an identity theft report filed by homeowner Erika Gregory, Lt. Ken Weaver said.

Gregory, who was home at the time, apparently didn't know the officer was coming, her husband Loren Mollner said Thursday.

"If she did know she would have kept the dogs inside," Mollner said.

Weaver said Calhoun checked for dogs before entering the fenced yard. After seeing none, the officer entered through the gate and walked about 15 feet toward the porch. Then, suddenly, two medium-sized dogs came charging around the house from the backyard, Weaver said.

"They were lunging and snarling," Weaver said. "He tried to back up and get out of the yard, but both dogs closed the distance on the officer. In defense, he fired two rounds, killing the dog closest to him." Calhoun then retreated out of the yard and called for backup, Weaver said.

When Gregory emerged from the house, she was shocked, Mollner said. "The officer was standing on the other side of the fence saying,

'I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I was scared.' "

The other dog, "Flicka," a 14-year-old Australian shepherd mix, was not injured. A third family dog, "Holly," a Labrador puppy, was inside.

Mollner said he's baffled by the officer's use of deadly force. He said the family's dogs sometimes get excited and bark and snarl when strangers come in the yard, but he said he's not aware of them ever attacking anyone.

"He shouldn't have been afraid for his life," said Mollner, who wasn't home at the time. "He could have just kicked or shoved the dog or turned and left the yard." Mollner said the family's children, ages 5 and 7, were shocked to learn "Belle" had been killed after they came home from school. He said the family may explore legal options, but he mostly wants a formal apology from the officer and the police department.

"The kids were in shock" he said. "I've got counseling scheduled for (Friday). The police department needs to do something, not just circle the wagons." Vallejo animal control officer David Sidie said there are no reports on record of aggressive dogs at the family's home. One report, however, had been filed for barking, he said.

brave heroic cops kill 5 pound family dog

ASPCA THIS IS A CRY FOR HELP: ANIMAL CRUELTY BY THE LAGRANGE MISSOURI PO...

Outcry meets officer who shot Border Collie

Outcry meets officer who shot Border Collie

Updated Saturday, Jun 2 at 12:05 PM

FORT WORTH - Her name was Lily. A five-year-old Border Collie shot in her own yard by a Fort Worth police officer, despite pleas from the dog's owners.

"I'm yelling, 'My dogs don't bite, they're not aggressive, they're coming to greet you," said the dog's owner, Mark Boling. "He turned and shot Lily in the back."

The deadly shooting has triggered plenty of outrage.

The Fort Worth Police Department's Chief of Staff, Major Paul Henderson, tweeted "several threats have been received," and went on to say, "I have had contact with the family about the incident."

Online we found more nasty comments.

There are calls for the officer to be fired. Someone else threatens "payback's coming." And one person commented, "if he was that scared, I'm not sure if I want him to protect my family."

Boling called for calm.

"I know there are lots of animal lovers who feel for my wife and I, but this is the wrong approach," he said.

Though he still believes the officer was wrong, Boling wants to see a policy change, not a police officer fired.

Fort Worth police said the department has about 20 officer-involved animal shootings a year. However, this one, involving this breed of dog, is different.

"I think most people would think that a Border Collie is gentle - a children's dog," Boling said. "I'm sure that has to do a lot with the outcry."

Police say their officer believed the dog was being aggressive. They continue to investigate, while trying to control the backlash.

Florence family accuses police chief of shooting 2 dogs

Florence family accuses police chief of shooting 2 dogs

by ASHLEY GOUDEAU / KVUE News and Photojournalist JUSTIN TERRY

Posted on June 2, 2012 at 5:58 PM

Updated yesterday at 1:04 AM

FLORENCE, Texas -- The Vybiral family are dog lovers; considering their four-legged companions members of their family. It started with Sassy, a six year old Rhodesian Ridgeback. Now this family is mourning, Sassy is dead.

"She's crying, she's hysterical. 'There's blood mom. She's shooting guns.'" Louise Vybiral describes the phone call she received from her daughter Caren Friday afternoon.

Caren says she was watching a movie with her two year old daughter Lilly when gunshots rang out. She thought they were coming from across the street.

"Thought maybe Chevron was being robbed or something. I didn't have any idea what was going on," Caren Vybiral said. "And when I walked to open the door, there was another gun shot."

Caren said Sassy was lying in the door way bleeding. And standing above her was Florence Police Chief Julie Elliot-Abshire.

After a short exchange, Caren said the chief ran to the back yard and shot the other family dog that was locked up, a two year old pit bull named Boomer.

"I asked her what is going on," Caren described, "and she said, um, the b-word, did you not hear me knocking on your front door. And I said no, why did you shoot my dogs?"

Apparently Sassy and Boomer got out of the back yard and walked to the Chevron. A city worker called the cops to report the loose dogs. A family friend put the dogs back into the yard, but Sassy got out again.

"It got out, I'm guilty of that, but it was laying on the porch when she shot it," Louise Vybiral said.

But what truly frightens this family, one of the shots went into the home. Fragments of a bullet still lie on the windowsill.

"For an officer of the law to come up into your yard, and fire a shot, or to draw her weapon and aim it towards a home. That shot could have hurt my granddaughter or my daughter, you know. I mean the bullet is in my house," Vybiral said.

"The bullet hole is only two feet from where we were standing, so I mean, it could have been us," added Caren.

KVUE News tried to contact the Florence Police Department, mayor and city council, no one returned our calls or emails. We also went to the police department for comment, but the door was locked.

"She doesn't need to be an officer. She's not upholding the law. Just because she wears a badge doesn't mean she can pull her gun and just shoot anything," Vybiral said.

The Williamson County Sheriff's Office said they are aware that an incident involving the police chief happened in Florence, but it's not their jurisdiction. The Texas Rangers say they are not yet involved in the case.