A dog was fatally shot by police in Salt Lake City after biting an officer during a confrontation at a convenience store in the early hours of March 23. Now, nearly a week later, Karen Baldwin, the dog’s owner, insists her pet, Sinatra, was not dangerous and was simply trying to protect her.
Incident at a Convenience Store
Authorities were called to a North Temple Street convenience store around 3 a.m. following a report about a group of people trespassing. When officers arrived, they found several individuals gathered in the parking lot.
As police approached, Sinatra broke loose from the person handling him and bit an officer. Despite repeated orders for Baldwin or others to restrain the dog, Sinatra remained aggressive, leading to an officer firing multiple shots. The dog suffered critical injuries and was later euthanized by Salt Lake County Animal Services.
SLCPD spokesperson Brent Weisberg defended the officers’ actions, stating they followed proper protocol.
Owner Claims Shooting Was Unnecessary
Baldwin, however, disputes the police account, arguing that Sinatra was not vicious. She described him as protective, but friendly, and well-known in the area.
“I feel like I failed him because I couldn’t protect him,” she said.
Baldwin also believes the officer could have used non-lethal force, such as pepper spray, instead of shooting.
Prior Warnings and Legal History
Court records reveal Baldwin was previously cited in November 2024 for allowing a “vicious animal to go at large.” Additionally, SLCPD confirmed she had received a warning earlier in March about keeping Sinatra leashed.
Body camera footage from the night of the incident shows the dog lunging at police after escaping from an unidentified individual. Police have not determined how Sinatra got free, and Baldwin says she does not know the person who was holding his leash at the time.
Police Defend Use of Force
SLCPD officials say their officers exercised restraint despite the threat posed by Sinatra.
“When we consider the full scope of the incident, our officer demonstrated significant restraint,” Weisberg said, adding that the officer had the legal right to shoot the dog immediately after being bitten but chose not to.
The officer who was bitten sustained a serious leg injury but was fortunate it wasn’t worse, Weisberg noted.
SLCPD also emphasized that both officers involved are dog owners, making the situation difficult for them as well.
“No officer wants to be in this position,” Weisberg said. “But they have a duty to protect themselves and the public.”
Aftermath and Emotional Fallout
Following the shooting, Baldwin was allowed a private moment with Sinatra before he was euthanized. However, she remains heartbroken and says she is struggling to cope with his death.
“He was all I had,” she said.
Salt Lake City police are continuing to review the incident, but they maintain their officers acted appropriately given the circumstances and immediate threat .
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