A dog was put down after being shot multiple times by a Salt Lake City police officer early Sunday morning following an altercation at a convenience store, authorities said.
According to the Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD), officers responded to a trespassing complaint at a store on North Temple Street around 3 a.m. When they arrived, they encountered a large group gathered in the parking lot.
As one officer approached the group, a leashed dog began barking and suddenly lunged, biting him. Although the dog was wearing a leash, no one was actively holding it, allowing the animal to move freely, police stated.
After the attack, the injured officer drew his firearm and warned the dog’s owner to take control of the animal. Additional officers were called for backup.
Authorities said another individual took hold of the dog, but as a second officer attempted to detain the animal, it broke free and ran toward the officer. Despite multiple commands for the owner to restrain the dog, the officer who had been bitten fired four shots. SLCPD has not disclosed how many times the dog was struck.
The dog’s owner rushed toward the animal after it was shot but was temporarily detained by officers to “preserve evidence,” according to police. The wounded dog was later euthanized by Salt Lake County Animal Services due to the severity of its injuries.
Following the incident, SLCPD Chief Brian Redd acknowledged the emotional impact, stating, “We understand how much people care for their pets and the grief this loss brings. However, our officers were faced with a fast-moving and dangerous situation that required an immediate decision to ensure their safety.”
The officer who was bitten sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was treated at a hospital.
SLCPD noted that the area where the incident occurred has been a frequent site of public safety concerns. No arrests were made, though individuals accused of trespassing were given verbal warnings.
Authorities have released body camera footage of the event, though it has been edited to remove graphic content and explicit language.
