“It’s becoming a disturbingly familiar scene in America - mentally unstable cops”

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.