Cops set dog on man, man sues 10 to 1 the cops get away with it

Pierce County, Washington: A man is suing the county over a police dog attack. The lawsuit says the man didn’t act aggressively toward the dog or officer and posed no risk to them. 

Civil rights group calls for investigation of Rayne police

RAYNE — Racial tensions in Rayne reached a boiling point Thursday when more than 20 black community members protested against alleged police misconduct and asked state and federal authorities to investigate their claims of racial profiling and discrimination.

"Police brutality, harassment and intimidation do exist in Rayne, and we want to give the police chief a chance to root it out," said the Rev. Raymond Brown, president of the New-Orleans based civil rights group National Action Now.

The allegations are tied primarily to a single Rayne Police Department officer, and Chief Carroll Stelly maintains his employees have not unjustly targeted or abused black residents.

"While Chief Stelly supports the protestor's First Amendment right to free speech, he stated that all issues brought up in the protest have been investigated by an internal affairs inquiry and found to be unsustained," Detective Richard Gray said in a news release after the protest.

Rayne police officials were unaware of the protest until the group formed at the department's offices, and Stelly was in Lake Charles at the time for a graduation ceremony for three new officers.

The protesters targeted Officer Joseph Cormier, whom several residents claimed has lied in police reports, falsified speeding ticket information and beaten a local resident without reason.

"There might be a bad apple among you that you don't want to acknowledge," Brown said. "We believe this officer is rotting all the good officers on the force, and if he was in Orleans Parish, the chief of police would have fired him long ago."

Brown came to Rayne after talking with Wendell Price, a Rayne resident who claims Cormier beat him nearly one year ago. According to Price, he was letting his three dogs use the bathroom in the front yard of his home on April 2, 2012 when several officers drove though the neighborhood.

Price said he later learned those officers were searching for a different black male who had been involved in an earlier crime and who had a tan dog similar to Price's. Price said one of the officers who drove by, Cormier, saw his tan dog, pulled into his driveway and immediately told him to put the three dogs in a cage.

Price said he asked the officer why he had to put his dogs in a cage since he was on his own private property, and Cormier allegedly then told him to comply or face arrest. Price, however, said he continued to question Cormier's directions.

"That's when he took his baton out and started beating me repeatedly," Price said. "My two-year-old and my five-year-old had to witness this — their father getting beaten by a white cop for no apparent reason."

Price said he then moved toward his house, at which point Cormier allegedly threw him onto a car hood and began choking him. Price said he then began "grabbing him to get him off me." By this point, another Rayne police officer arrived on the scene, and amid the fight, he tased Price.

Police ultimately charged Price with resisting arrest, battery of a police officer and violation of leash laws, Price said.

Stelly, however, said in the news release that the incident involving Price is "still pending criminal trial in district court," making the timing of the protest "suspect."

"This incident was reviewed by an internal affairs inquiry and sustained the officer's use of force was reasonable and lawful to bring the noncompliant Price under arrest," Gray said in the release. "Chief Stelly welcomes the Price family to request a formal investigation from the Louisiana State Police or the Federal Bureau of Investigation if they believe that criminal conduct occurred."

But Price and Brown said officers conducted a flawed internal investigation and ignored some statements from witnesses and black community members who spoke against Cormier. Price and Brown also noted that the Crowley Police Department arrested Cormier and charged him with domestic abuse battery less than 15 days after Cormier allegedly beat Price.

Gray, however, said those charges against Cormier were ultimately dropped. Gray said Cormier began working for the Rayne Police Department in August 2011, and he said he could not comment on whether his department disciplined Cormier in any way after his arrest.

Senate panel OKs "Don't Shoot My Dog" bill after emotional testimony

An Erie woman whose German shepherd was shot in the back by a police officer tearfully urged state senators to approve a bill requiring law enforcement officers to receive training on how to deal with dogs.

Brittany Moore told her story twice Wednesday, first on the west steps of the Capitol at a rally attended by dog lovers and then before the Senate Judiciary Committee, which unanimously approved the bipartisan measure.

She broke down several times, including when she recounted telling her 7-, 6- and 5-year-old-daughters that their dog Ava was dead.

The measure — dubbed the "Don't Shoot My Dog" bill — next will be heard by the full Senate. The measure requires sheriff's and police departments to develop training programs that prepare law enforcement for encounters with dogs. The training emphasizes how to recognize dog behaviors and employ non-lethal methods to control dogs.

Sponsors Sens. Lucia Guzman, D-Denver, and David Balmer, R-Centennial, brought their dogs to the rally, as did others who supported Senate Bill 226.

"This bill is about animals we hold dear," Guzman said.

Moore was among several witnesses who became emotional as they described their pets being shot by police.

She called police May 10, 2011, because of threatening calls she was receiving.

She said the officer initially went to the wrong house, and as he was walking to her home, her "friendly and curious" dogs, Ava and Ivy, walked toward him. She said the officer put his hand on his gun and backed up.

"I yelled to Ava, and she stopped and turned and looked at me. That's when we made eye contact," Moore said.

The officer fired.

"A rawhide bone fell from Ava's mouth, and she made the most awful sound that I have ever heard and immediately fell to the ground," Moore said. "She tried to get up one last time, but her hind legs wouldn't work because her spinal cord was severed."

She said police told her they "had to" shoot the dog because it was a threat.

"Ava never posed a threat at any time that night," Moore said. "The only threat that night was an officer discharging his weapon less than five feet away from me in a neighborhood with kids playing outside."

Another witness, a former deliveryman for UPS, said he encountered dogs regularly during his 14 years on the job but the idea of hurting one was "unthinkable."

"I'm not a dog whisperer," he said, to laughter. "I just used common sense ... and a little restraint."

At the rally, the song "Who Let the Dogs Out?" blared as dog lovers waved signs, including ones that read "Pro dogs, Pro cops, Pro 226" and "Protect our Fur-Kids."

Balmer asked several questions about dogs, including "Why do we have slobber marks all over the sliding glass doors?" and "Why do we say yes to whatever the vet says it will cost for a procedure?" and "Why have we spent so much time writing this bill?"

He then led the crowd in chanting the answer: "Because we love our dogs."

Dog murdered

March 28, 2013 Lala was shot and killed by an Auburn, Washington police officer who went up to the front door of her family's home apparently to ask a question about vandalism that had happened in the neighborhood. Lala reportedly barked and bared her teeth and then jumped out of the living room window. The officer says he backed up to try to get away but that Lala continued to come at him. Apparently he did not attempt to use non-lethal force to cause Lala to back up if she was indeed charging him and he shot her not once but twice in the head. RIP Lala. You were defending your family's home from someone who seemed threatening to you. You did not deserve to be shot and killed for that. I believe I have already posted Lala's story, but am not sure if I already posted this report. So, in the interest of time I am posting it again. Thanks to Cindy Ruud for sending it to me.

Colorado legislators to introduce bill requiring cops to take dog encounter training

CENNTENIAL, Colo. - Next week, two State Senators will introduce a bill requiring all law enforcement to take dog encounter training. The bill is sponsored by Senators Lucia Guzman, a Denver Democrat, and David Balmer, a Centennial Republican.

"Shipping companies, delivery companies, landscaping companies, they deal with dogs all the time and they don't shoot dogs," said Senator Balmer.

The bill would require law enforcement to take a two-hour initial class as well as an hour long refresher course every year. The courses would be given by a vet or may be viewed online.

The legislation comes after a series of shootings involving dogs that caused public outcry. In November of last year, Commerce City Police shot and killed Chloe, a pit-bull mix outside her home. Video showed police tase the dog then shoot her five times while she was on a catch-pole.

"It's like losing a family member," said owner, Gary Branson.

In January, an Adam's County Sheriff's deputy shot and killed Ziggy, and 8-year-old Blue Heeler-Border Collie mix, after the deputy responded to the wrong address.

"All he wanted to do was play, that's it," Ziggy's owner, Jeff Fisher told 7NEWS.

Brittany Moore said she still hasn't recovered after Erie Police shot and killed her German Shepard, Ava, outside her home in 2011.

"It's hard, it's hard. My three daughters, they don't trust police cops anymore. They will always remember that a police cop shot their dog," Moore said.

7NEWS asked Senator Balmer why the legislation is needed considering some police departments already have policies and training implemented.

"There are some police departments that have been out in front of this issue. These are the police departments that haven't had any dog shootings. It's the other departments that need to work harder on it," said Senator Balmer.

7NEWS checked and that's not exactly true. In the case of Chloe, Commerce City Police went through canine training two years earlier. Boulder and Brighton police also put their cops through dog encounter training.

Senator Balmer said they have been working with law enforcement while drafting the bill. He expects it should be introduced to the Judiciary Committee in the coming weeks.

Owner not surprised Ogden cop cleared in shooting of dog

OGDEN — An Ogden police cop is not at fault for shooting and killing a German shepherd at a local residence earlier this month, according to an internal review by the police department.

“After careful consideration and review of the incident, the Shooting Review Board has determined that the actions taken by Cop Brandon Rammell were justified and within the guidelines of the Ogden City Police Department Use of Force Policy … and did not violate Utah state law governing use of deadly force,” the police department said in the report regarding the March 3 incident.

The shooting of the German shepherd, named Max, owned by Dan and Roxanne Marocchi was investigated by Ogden police lieutenants Danielle Croyle and Chad Ledford and Sgt. Tim Scott.

Roxanne Marocchi disputes the police department’s claim that the shooting was justified, but isn’t surprised by the result of the investigation.

“That’s what you get when you have cops investigating cops,” she said Tuesday.

Friday night, Ogden police also shot and killed a dog they say charged them during a burglary-in-progress call at a residence in the 500 block of 7th Street.

That incident remains under investigation.

However, both dog shootings this month could have been avoided, said John Harvey, deputy director of support services for the Ogden Police Department.

“Had the owners secured their animals, those pets would still be alive,” he said in an email to the Standard-Examiner.

“Many, if not most, of our cops are animal-lovers, so when they have to defend themselves, it’s not something they relish.”

Since 2007, Ogden police have shot and killed six dogs and wounded another that was later euthanized.

The Marocchis and police are at odds over the fatal shooting of Max.

The incident began when police responded to a report of a man with a gun at the Marocchi’s residence in the 2400 block of Jackson Avenue.

Dan Marocchi believes he was reported to police because he answered his door carrying a handgun for protection because a long-haired young man whom he did not know was standing on his porch.

The individual came to the house to report that Max had run across the street, frightening him and his dog, Roxanne Marocchi said. However, she added, Max did not bite the man or his dog.

When police arrived, they ordered Dan Marocchi to keep Max and another dog, an Australian shepherd mix named Rusty, inside. However, the dogs were allowed to run outside, police said.

Rusty was later found near 30th Street and Washington Boulevard.

Max charged at an cop, who was unable to deploy a Taser, then leaped at another cop, who knocked the dog down and shot twice with a handgun, killing the animal, according to police.

Marocchi said he never saw Max charge the first cop and never saw any attempt by the cop to deploy a Taser.

It only took a few seconds for Max to run from the house to a neighbor’s driveway, where he was shot, said Marocchi, who believes that didn’t allow enough time for a second attack on a police cop.

The incident should serve as a reminder that residents should keep their pets secured, particularly if they are calling for police assistance, Harvey said.

“Cops are trained to deal with aggressive animals, and they can usually determine if an animal is afraid, protecting their turf or about to attack, but these issues become moot when the pet owner secures the animal

Residents protest dog shooting by Sandusky cop

SANDUSKY, Ohio (AP) — Animal-loving residents of a northern Ohio community are protesting the recent shooting death of a dog by a police cop.

Several dozen sign-carrying demonstrators in Sandusky demonstrated in front of the municipal court building Wednesday. It was part of the local outcry since a city police cop killed a pet Rottweiler named Lucy on Feb. 21.

The cop, who was responding to a complaint of a dog running loose in the area, said the dog lunged at him before he fired the shot.

The Sandusky Register reports that police Chief Brad Wilson is dealing with the fallout from the shooting — including emails from angry residents.

The dog’s owner, Donna Hansen, appeared in court Wednesday to plead not guilty to citations for dog at large and unlicensed dog.

Cops Who Shot Dog in Home Search Clear Suit….which means they can kick in your door without a warrant and kill your pets

MANHATTAN (CN) - The 2nd Circuit cleared police cops for fatally shooting a dog in the head while executing a no-knock search warrant in upstate New York.

On Oct. 11, 2006, members of the Greater Rochester Area Narcotics Enforcement Team broke through Sherry Carroll's front door with a battering ram without announcing their presence. The federal appeals court noted that from the outset that "the facts of this case are undoubtedly tragic."

Deputy James Carroll was the first to enter the home and immediately encountered "a dog growling, barking, and quickly and aggressively approaching him," according to the decision.

"Once the dog had advanced to within a foot of him," Carroll fired one fatal shot at the family dog.

Though the team knew before executing the warrant that a dog would be present, they failed to "discuss a plan for controlling the dog or formulate a strategy to neutralize any threat the dog might pose by non-lethal means," the ruling states.

Carroll, who had two children under the age of 18 at the time of the intrusion, filed a federal complaint against Monroe County, its sheriff's department, Sheriff Patrick O'Flynn and Deputy Sheriff James Caroll.

A federal jury in Rochester concluded after a two-day trial, however, that the shooting of the dog was not an unconstitutional seizure in violation of the Fourth Amendment.

A three-judge panel of the 2nd Circuit refused to disturb the verdict Tuesday.

"Although the death of her dog was regrettable, we cannot conclude that the plaintiff has met this heavy burden," the unsigned decision states.

No-knock warrants are issued in cases where "there is reason to believe that the occupants of the residence will, if the cops announce themselves prior to entry, pose a significant threat to cop safety or attempt to destroy evidence," according the opinion.

Here, the cops testified that trying to secure an aggressive dog could jeopardize themselves and the evidence, causing an insurmountable "delay in securing the entryway," which they call the "fatal funnel," the court noted.

Carroll failed to show that the cops improperly discounted pepper spray, a taser or a catch pole as a means to secure her pet, according to the ruling.

She "offered no evidence that these non-lethal means would have been effective or that it would have been unreasonable for the cops to decide not to use them," the ruling states.

Carroll testified that he did not know of an instance of "pepper spray effectively controlling an aggressive dog" and that the department "did not own tasers at the time," the judges wrote.

Futhermore, "a jury could reasonably conclude that using a catch pole in the middle of the entryway would compromise cop safety and unreasonably delay the search."

Despite siding with the county, the judges ended with a cautionary note.

"We do not mean to endorse the defendants' apparent position that the failure to plan for the known presence of a dog is always acceptable when the police are executing a no-knock warrant," merely that "the jury was not unreasonable to conclude that the plaintiff did not meet her burden of proof," the ruling states.There may well be instances where the killing of a pet in such circumstances does meet the burden of proof that a seizure is unconstitutional, the judges said, adding that they "urge the defendants to consider whether more comprehensive training and planning would better serve the public, as well as its cops, in the future." 

Greenfield Dog Shot and Killed By Police..

GREENFIELD, Calif. -- On this sunny afternoon Freddy Hernandez's backyard sits quiet. An empty dog house and toys, no dog left to play with. That's because Hernandez's best friend, Rocko, was killed by Greenfield Police.

"He's been around us for a long time. He was a good dog," said Hernandez.

Neighbors said that kids were taunting Rocko from one side of the fence, and Rocko who was watching them, started getting angry. So an agitated Rocko, managed to knock the fence down and started chasing the kids down the block.

That's when police were dispatched to the neighborhood. But by the time they got there, Rocko was back in Hernadez's fenced in yard. No one was hurt. Neighbors told Central Coast News cops got closer to see if Rocko was in the yard. Police say that's when Rocko ran at cops.

"The dog is going to be a dog, he's going to protect his property," said Hernandez.

Neighbors said cops shot Rocko at least 3 times.

"He could've used the pepper spray or could've shot towards the grass," said Hernandez.

Hernandez wants answers, such as where was animal control? Central Coast News checked and Monterey County doesn't have a contract with the city of Greenfield for those services. It said that the Greenfield Police Department has its own animal control.

"If it happens today, what are you going to do? If another dog approaches a person are they going to shoot them again too?" said Hernandez.

Greenfield Police said they are reviewing the case to make sure the proper procedures were taken, but Chief Eric Sills said the dog was viciously chasing after kids and by law, the cops have every right to shoot a dog when it attacks

Coral Springs Police Shoot Dog During Foot Chase

On Sunday morning, Coral Springs Police Cops shot and killed a dog that showed signs of aggression after the dog charged cops during a foot pursuit.

Around 3:51 a.m., Coral Springs Police cops were dispatched to the area of 10600 NW 37th Street regarding a complaint about loud voices and yelling.

As cops arrived in the area to investigate, several subjects who were standing near a vehicle saw the cops, then suddenly fled on foot to the rear of several residences. As cops proceeded, they passed through a gate left open by the fleeing individuals and entered the backyard of a home where they encountered a very large dog. The dog, according to police, began to show signs of aggression toward the cops by barking and advancing in their direction. That is when the cops began to slowly retreat in the direction they entered at which time the dog charged at the cops. Fearing for their safety, both cops discharged their weapon, striking the dog several times. The dog stopped advancing and fell to the ground.

Members of the Coral Springs Police Department Humane Unit responded to tend to the injured dog which was taken to Coral Springs Animal Hospital for treatment. The owner of the dog was contacted and advised of the injuries and options that could be provided by the animal hospital.

Ultimately it was decided by the owner that the dog would be euthanized.

Edited: 7:40 pm – Cop Brad McKeone contributed report that Animal Hospital reports breed was Pit Bull. Owner reports dog was American Bulldog. Editor regrets error.

Pit bull shot while attacking police dog …or another words, pit bull shot while protecting his territory because that’s what dogs do

Pit bull shot while attacking police dog …or another words, pit bull shot while protecting his territory because that’s what dogs do

The Fresno Bee

A pit bull was shot Friday afternoon in southeast Fresno when it attacked a K9 unit that was chasing a suspect, police said.

Police went to 1041 S. Archie Ave. about 3 p.m. to pick up a subject wanted for domestic violence and other outstanding warrants when the K9 cop saw the suspect sitting in his car in the home's driveway, police said. The suspect ran into a neighbor's backyard and the cop and his dog followed.

When they entered the backyard a pit bull jumped on the back of the police dog and the cop had to kick it several times to get it off, police said. The pit bull then charged the cop, forcing him to shoot the pit bull once in the shoulder.

The pit bull ran into a house and its owners took it to a pet hospital.

The suspect was arrested in another yard by another K9 unit.

Concord: Cops shoot dog after it charges…and there are no wittnesses of course

CONCORD -- Police cops checking on a homeless camp complaint shot and injured a dog when it charged at them Friday afternoon, Concord police said.

No one was injured.(Well the dog was killed)

At 4:55 p.m., two Concord police responded to a complaint related to a homeless camp just off Ponderosa Avenue in Concord. When the cops found the camp, a pitbull terrier mix immediately confronted them.  Police said the cops ordered the owner to grab the dog, and when the person didn't and the dog charged and tried to attack them, they fired. The dog was hit, Concord police added, before it turned and ran about a mile before cops caught up to it. Animal Control cops picked up the dog, which was taken to be medically evaluated. The dog was still alive, but wounded, when it was transported.

The dog's condition is unknown.

Information about the complaint the cops were investigating is unavailable.

Coral Springs Police Shoot Dog During Foot Chase...no witnesses of course

On Sunday morning, Coral Springs Police Cops shot and killed a dog that showed signs of aggression after the dog charged cops during a foot pursuit.

Around 3:51 a.m., Coral Springs Police cops were dispatched to the area of 10600 NW 37th Street regarding a complaint about loud voices and yelling.

As cops arrived in the area to investigate, several subjects who were standing near a vehicle saw the cops, then suddenly fled on foot to the rear of several residences. As cops proceeded, they passed through a gate left open by the fleeing individuals and entered the backyard of a home where they encountered a very large dog. The dog, according to police, began to show signs of aggression toward the cops by barking and advancing in their direction. That is when the cops began to slowly retreat in the direction they entered at which time the dog charged at the cops. Fearing for their safety, both cops discharged their weapon, striking the dog several times. The dog stopped advancing and fell to the ground.

Members of the Coral Springs Police Department Humane Unit responded to tend to the injured dog which was taken to Coral Springs Animal Hospital for treatment. The owner of the dog was contacted and advised of the injuries and options that could be provided by the animal hospital.

Ultimately it was decided by the owner that the dog would be euthanized.

Edited: 7:40 pm – Cop Brad McKeone contributed report that Animal Hospital reports breed was Pit Bull. Owner reports dog was American Bulldog. Editor regrets error.

Regina police shoot dog, want changes made to Facebook page after threatening posts

REGINA — The union representing Regina police cops wants changes to the force’s Facebook page after a shooting involving a dog led to an online backlash and threats against cops.

Photograph by: Regina Police , Facebook

REGINA — The union representing Regina police cops wants changes to the force’s Facebook page after a shooting involving a dog led to an online backlash and threats against cops.

The Regina Police Association, which represents 540 cops and civilian members, says the police service should be able to delay or edit posts before they appear on its Facebook page.

“We’re not saying to shutdown Facebook. We’re not saying that the public can’t comment, question, criticize and critique, but there was a comment posted on there on this weekend that said, ‘the only good cop is a dead cop,”’ association president Evan Bray said Monday.

“My question is, does that serve any purpose? Is that open and honest and good feedback from the community or is that someone wanting to grandstand and make something that is borderline criminal?”

“There was a post on there this weekend saying maybe we should chain a police cop up in the backyard and shoot them and see how they like it. I mean really, does anyone believe that is fair game on a police service Facebook page?”

Bray says the police service needs a Facebook page. He said it’s an effective tool when properly used to enhance communication.

But, he said, comments that threaten cops should not be allowed.

Hundreds of comments were posted on the Regina Police Service Facebook page after a police cop shot and killed a dog while chasing an assault suspect Saturday evening.

Regina police say they got several calls about an assault. Cops found a severely injured man.

The service says multiple witnesses described three suspects running away from the scene. A canine cop, a police dog and a patrol cop followed a suspect into a yard, where they ran into a pit bull.

The police dog and the pit bull got into a scuffle and the canine cop tried in vain to separate them. The patrol cop joined the struggle and “made the decision to end the fight fearing for his life and the life of the canine cop,” according to a news release.

One shot was fired.

“The incident happened extremely quickly and it’s important to note that it wasn’t immediately apparent that there was a dog in the yard, or that the dog was on a chain,” stated the release.

The dog was later determined to be on a long chain with access to a significant amount of the yard.

Regina police say escape or retreat for the cops and the police dog “was very difficult.”

The pit bull owner says his pet was chained and he would have been able to restrain it. He plans to file a complaint.

An investigation is underway.

Regina police temporarily disabled public posting on its Facebook page Monday saying the “nature of the discussion was largely disrespectful and despite requests, continued to contain profanity and hate speech, as well as posts inciting violence.”

“We support your right to express opinions, even dissenting ones,” the service posted.

“We require that to be done without profanity, hate speech, or posts inciting violence. In the future please ensure your comments, opinions, and concerns are expressed in a manner safe for all users.”

Cop Shoots Dog Near Alvord Lake

If you were watching our twitter feed yesterday, you saw that an SFPD officer fired two shots at a dog at the entrance to Golden Gate Park. We spoke to witnesses.

Yesterday, between 4 and 5 p.m., at Haight and Stanyan near Alvord Lake, where all the street kids hang out, a man was sleeping, and while he was asleep, his dog got away from him. The dog got “too close” to an officer, and the officer shot twice, killing the dog. We couldn’t confirm that the dog was being aggressive, or even barking.

Animal Control, Rangers from Rec & Park, and the SFPD were all called to the scene. When Animal Control carried the dog into the truck, the street kids formed a gauntlet for the SFPD and Animal Control officers to walk through, and they were heard shouting “Congratulations! You got him!” at the police.

We pieced the story together from two bystanders, Heather and Alan. Heather is ex-Marines Corps, and she heard the shots fired while watching kids playing roughly 300 yards away on the other side of the bridge in the soccer field, so she ran over to see what was happening.

Alan was walking on Stanyan Street and noticed 15 officers, 3 cop cars, and two bicycle cops at the entrance to Golden Gate Park. He spoke to an officer on the scene who told him the SFPD would issue a press release about the incident. As of this writing, there has been no press release.

We'll miss you pearhead.

Ogden police shoot, kill dog during burglary investigation

OGDEN, Utah (AP) - Ogden police say a dog was shot dead after it charged at officers during a burglary call.

Ogden Police Deputy Director John Harvey says the encounter happened while officers were responding to the 500 block of 7th Street about 11:30 p.m. Friday.

Harvey says a woman who'd called police to report hearing suspicious noises was standing outside the home with a German shepherd mix dog.

Harvey says the dog went into attack mode, and an officer fired two shots when it got within 10 feet of them.

Harvey says the dog's owners haven't filed a formal complaint with police, but the incident will be reviewed internally.

It's the second time Ogden police have shot a dog this month. Another one was killed March 3.

Homeowner Reports Burglary, Police Shoot Her Dog

The most recent case occurred late Friday night when Michelle Merila called police to her home at 597 7th Street, reporting a burglary in progress.

When police arrived they didn’t find a suspect but instead found Merila out front with her two bulldogs and a German shepherd named “Jesse.”

“The officer indicated the two dogs on the porch did not indicate they were going to attack but the other dog, he actually gave voice commands to and told it to get back on the porch,” said Ogden Deputy Director John Harvey. “The dog turned around, went a few steps then turned back to him and ultimately attacked and the officer defended himself.”

Merila tells a different story.

“The cop was standing there and he says ‘get your dog or I’m gonna shoot her’ and and as I’m walking up ‘boom, boom’ he shot the dog, didn’t have any reason, the dog wasn’t going after him anymore, she had stopped,” Merila said.

Ogden Police Shoot And Kill Dog

(KUTV) Police responding to a burglary shot and killed a dog Friday night. The incident occurred in the 500 block of 7th Street around 11:30 p.m.

Police say the dog threatened officers while responding to a burglary in-progress. The officers walked up to the residence, where a man was outside the home with a dog. The dog began barking and then charged.

One of the officers fired two shots at the dog from about 10 feet away. The dog's owner has not formally filed a complaint but the incident is under investigation. Ogden police shot another dog on March 3.

Rochester, NY Police officer Shoots Family’s Dog in the Face

Teddy Padilla remembers his wife Ada calling him, but it’s what she told him which still seems surreal.

“They police shot Choco!”, Ada told her husband, who raced home to find Rochester, NY Police officers in front of his 97 Bleacker St. home, on Rochester’s east side.

“I pull up to my home and I get out and the first thing I ask the officers is what’s going on, and the officer tells me we had to shoot your dog” Teddy Padilla, his grey long sleeve shirt showing smears of his Choco’s blood.

“I said what do you mean you shot my dog, and the officer, very nonchalant says ‘yep, we had to shoot your dog’, I couldn’t believe it.”

Here’s what is known.

Around 6:00 p.m., Ada Padilla was in her home when she heard Choco, a pit bull terrier, barking.

Ada then looked out of an upstairs window and saw a Rochester Police cruiser in front of the house.

“I ran downstairs and the officer was saying ‘Get your dog, get your dog’, and I said to him I’m trying, but the officer kept moving all over the place, then Choco ran in the house and the officer walked up as if to talk to me and Choco came back out but he was never aggressive and he never charged at the officer, it was more like he was excited but not aggressive and then the officer that had stayed inside the police car all this time got out of the car, walked up, took out his gun and shot Choco”, said Ada Padilla.

“Then Choco ran inside the house crying and bleeding from his mouth, there was blood everywhere, and he ran inside his crate, scared.”

The Padillas rushed Choco to the Emergency Veterinary Clinic on White Spruce Blvd., where Choco underwent emergency surgery, which will cost the family between $950.00 and $1,200.00.

There are people who own dogs who should not own dogs.

Then there are people like the Padillas.

Responsible, loving, dog owners.

I’m sure the RPD officers thought that Choco was just another pit bull in the city.

They were wrong.

Very wrong.

Choco is licensed and registered.

Choco is not just a dog.

He is a member of the Padilla family.

And it shows.

At the clinic, the Padillas were besides themselves, completely distraught.

When I first spoke with Teddy Padilla, on the phone, he was crying, telling me “They shot my dog, they shot my dog, I love my dog!”

Later, back at their home, I met with the Padillas, and I learned something very interesting.

Something which was yet more proof of just how responsible the Padillas are as pet owners.

Teddy Padilla told me that he had installed a 6 foot high fence on his property.

Then, the City of Rochester made him take it down, telling him that the fence could not be more than 3 feet tall.

Somehow, Choco got out of his yard Thursday evening.

Like dogs do.

And two Rochester, NY Police officers showed up.

Then, ironically, the officer who stayed in the patrol car, is the one who gets out and shoots an innocent family dog.

Not the primary officer who mistook an energetic dog, for a supposedly ‘aggressive’ one.

And just like that, another trigger-happy RPD officer shoots an innocent family dog.