The City of Leander, Texas, has announced that it will not
pay the veterinary bill for a dog who was shot by a Leander Police officer
after the police came onto the property of James and Renata Simmons on June 17.
When the officers entered, the Simmons’ German Shepherd, Vinny, came running
around the side of the house and was shot by one of the officers who felt the
dog was a threat to their safety.
It turned out that the officers were trying to execute a
warrant at the wrong address in Liberty Hill. Vinny needed extensive veterinary
care to save his life and the Simmons, through their attorney, filed a claim
with the City of Leander to cover the $1,500 in vet bills.
The City of Leander responded on August 15 that it is
denying the claim because the City is not responsible for the officer who shot
Vinny in his own yard.