COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Columbus police released video showing an officer fatally shooting a dog that was attacking a woman and her dog.
The incident sparked criticism on social media, to which CPD released body-worn camera video to show what led to the officer’s use of force.
Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant said the officers went to the area of Arlington Avenue and Bremen Street around 3:28 p.m. on May 4 and were speaking with a woman who was walking her leashed dog when an unleashed dog ran at them.
The video shows officers sitting in their cruiser, asking the woman questions about her dog and if it was running around earlier, when another dog sprints down the sidewalk and starts attacking.
Officers get out of the police cruiser, and video shows the woman trying to protect her dog as officers draw their weapons. An officer tells the woman to get back as he aims.
“In an effort to stop the attack and protect both the leashed dog and its owner from further harm, an officer discharged their firearm, fatally striking the aggressive dog,” Bryant said in a statement.
The body-worn camera video ends as the dog goes limp and the woman pulls her leashed dog away. A social media post by a woman who claimed to own the dog’s mother said the dog was still alive and that police would not let the owner take it to an emergency veterinarian.
The post included videos of police at the scene. An officer tells a woman she can’t take the dog and that they are waiting for animal control. The wounded dog is visible in the background as the woman pleads with officers to let her take the dog to get care.
“We understand that any incident involving the use of force, especially involving animals, can be upsetting to the community,” Bryant’s statement continued. “Our thoughts are with all those affected. Per policy, an internal administrative investigation is being conducted to ensure all appropriate policies and procedures were followed. We appreciate the community’s understanding and continued support as we work to keep everyone—people and pets alike—safe.
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