WARNING: POTENTIALLY DISTRESSING CONTENT - WE HAVEN'T SHARED THE VIDEO
Detroit Police have defended an officer who shot and killed a dog through a fence in its garden.
The disturbing video shows a medium-sized white dog running behind a garden fence and following a cop and her K-9 on the other side. As they approach the end of the garden the two animals start fighting (through the fence).
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According to reports, the white dog clamped its jaws around the police dog's nose. In response, the officer pulled out a weapon and shot the white dog in the face.
According to Detroit Free Press, the police were searching yards for a suspect's weapon and had asked the homeowner to secure the dog.
The cops decided to search the next door neighbour's yard while the dog was being secured and then go back but the animal escaped its owner's hold.
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In an interview on Friday (21 August) Detroit Police Commander Darin Szilagyi said: "Her partner was being attacked and we demand that our officers protect not only themselves but their partners and citizens. At this point it was a clear and present danger; her dog was being viciously harmed.
"It's unfortunate it came to this, we don't like to see any animal hurt. I'm a dog lover, I own several dogs, I have a responsibility to protect the public from my animals, just like anyone else. Keep your dogs in the backyards and this won't be an issue."
Posting the video on to Instagram, the Animal Hope and Wellness Foundation wrote: "This happened in Detroit, with footage being caught on a home camera system. The video is extremely upsetting - which shows Detroit police shooting a dog in the face and killing him.
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"In the video the dog is barking through the fence at the policemen and police dogs. The officer draws his gun, as the dog appeared to be latched on to his dogs muzzle or face through the fence. Instead of trying to separate them he shoots the dog in the head.
"The officer responsible for the act needs to be held accountable. Please voice your concern and call the precinct and Detroit Mayors office demanding justice."
As a result of being bitten by the white dog, the K-9 suffered extensive injuries including a large rip through the skin of its upper snout and puncture wounds on its upper jawlines. The dog will undergo tests and evaluations to determine whether it is still fit to serve for the police.
Topics: Police, Dog, News, Animals