A dog was fatally shot by a deputy in Pennfield Township, Friday, May 23, according to a release from the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded to a report of aggressive dogs in the 8000 block of Swift Road at 5:11 p.m. Additional calls about the dogs reported there were three in the neighborhood with no known owner at the time.
Upon arrival, deputies spoke with two people, one who reported the dogs had entered his property and attacked his dog, causing minor injuries. A second resident stated that the dogs aggressively charged her while she was in her own yard.
Deputies located the three dogs in a side lot near a residence.
“As a deputy approached in an attempt to secure the dogs in his vehicle, the animals immediately charged at him. The deputy issued loud verbal commands in an effort to deter the dogs,” the sheriff’s office said in the statement. “However, the dogs continued to advance, and one lunged at the deputy within 3–5 feet. With no time to retreat or seek cover, the deputy discharged his firearm three times, striking the closest dog. The remaining two dogs fled the scene.”
The dogs’ owner arrived and secured the two remaining dogs shortly after the incident.
Sheriff’s office personnel offered to transport the deceased animal to the Calhoun County Animal Shelter, but the owners declined, choosing to take the dog home themselves.
“The dogs’ owners were visibly distraught and agitated. Deputies made efforts to de-escalate the situation and remained on scene until the deceased dog was removed,” the sheriff’s office said. “A CCSO supervisor responded to provide oversight, documentation, and contact information for any necessary follow-up.
“This release is issued in the interest of transparency regarding an unfortunate situation that resulted in the use of force.”
The sheriff’s office released a still image from the deputy’s bodycam to show the proximity of the dogs at the time of the incident.
The investigation remains ongoing. An administrative review is being conducted due to the use of force.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact Lt. Curtis Smith at 269-781-0880 or submit an anonymous tip through Silent Observer at 269-964-3888.
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