Police shot and killed a dog in Canton, Ohio, on Thursday. The officers were trying to handle a volatile domestic violence situation at the time.
Dog dies after being shot by police
According to Cleveland 19, on Thursday night, a man called 911 to report that he was fighting with his son-in-law. The man told the dispatcher, “I need the police down here… right now… because if you’re not, you’re gonna be calling the coroner.”
Officers arrived at a home on the 300 block of Tyler Avenue SE around 10:30 p.m. Body cam showed that a woman and her three children were standing outside of the home in the yard. They had a dog with them.
Several officers told the woman to put her dog, a Cane Corso, in the house. Suddenly, the dog ran toward an officer. He fired three shots.
“You just shot my dog,” the woman said, upset.
“Yes, I did. It was coming at me,” the officer responded.
Then, officers got control of three adults at the home. The children went inside, as did the dog, who was apparently still alive.
Officers ushered the children to a neighbor’s house. Next, they attempted to treat the dog’s wound. Unfortunately, the dog died.
Dog mom Amanda Bulick expressed dismay at the way officers addressed the situation.
“You can’t just go shooting with kids in the driveway,” Bulick told the news outlet. “You could have tased her, you could have pepper sprayed her.”
Police did not arrest the son-in-law. Instead, they transported him to a different home for the night.
What to do with your dog during a police call
In a perfect world, dogs would never be the victims of police violence like this sad story of the Ohio dog shot by police. However, sometimes unexpected situations arise, police get involved, and tensions rise. At times like these, it’s crucial to both protect your pup and stay out of the way of the police.
If officers come to your house with your dog present, remain calm and cooperative. First, secure your dog in a separate room or a crate. This ensures their safety and will hopefully ward off any unintentional confrontations. Communicate with the police calmly. Answer their questions and provide any necessary information. Follow their instructions. Avoid sudden movements that may be perceived as a threat. If your dog is well-trained, let the officers know that to reassure them. Maintaining a cooperative and respectful attitude is crucial for a smooth interaction between the police and your pet.
