The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a Rottweiler was fatally shot by a dog owner at Rancho San Rafael Park in Nevada. An incident report reveals the Rottweiler got into a fight with an unleashed Shih Tzu at the park, eventually leading to the Shih Tzu’s owner firing their weapon at the Rottweiler.
Rottweiler shot and killed during a fight at Rancho San Rafael Park
According to KOLO8 News, the tragic incident occurred on Sunday, Mar. 17 at the park’s off-leash area. Deputies with the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Reno Police Department and the Washoe County Regional Animal Services, responded to the scene shortly after 1:00 p.m. following reports of the dog shooting.
Reports say the Shih Tzu dog owner was with their unleashed pup when another dog owner walking their leashed Rottweiler came by. Suddenly, an altercation between the two canines erupted.
In an attempt to break the fight, the Shih Tzu owner intervened, only for the Rottweiler to bite him. Fearing for his and his Shih Tzu’s safety, the dog owner retrieved his Glock 26 and shot the Rottweiler a total of four times. Authorities say they found the dog deceased.
Police have not charged or arrested the dog owner in connection with the shooting. For now, authorities are investigating the incident to gather sufficient evidence. This may determine whether they will revisit pressing charges.
A spokesperson with the Sheriff’s Office told the Reno Gazette Journal: “While county code does not prohibit the discharge of any weapon in a county park, there is an exception to any person lawfully discharging a firearm in protection of life or property.”
Why dogs act aggressively
It remains unclear why the Rottweiler attacked the Shih Tzu and the dog’s owner. However, it’s important to remember that dogs are not inherently aggressive; there’s always a root cause behind the aggression. More often than not, it’s the dog owner’s responsibility to address this root cause.
Aggression in dogs can occur when the dog isn’t well-trained, hasn’t been properly socialized, or has unresolved behavioral issues that eventually morph into aggression.
