When a police officer kills someone’s companion animal, it deeply affects the animal’s human family, as well as the officer, the neighborhood and the community. This sad situation is all too common and the Animal Legal Defense Fund fields many calls asking for advice. Unfortunately, there is rarely a clear path to justice.

The Animal Legal Defense Fund is a proud sponsor of the award winning documentary Of Dogs & Men—which brings to light the need for humane dog training for police officers, to avoid the unnecessary deaths of dogs.

Let’s start with the law. Companion animals are treated by the courts as personal “property.” When an animal is harmed, a lawsuit must show damage to the owner. In tort cases, damages are sometimes measured by the “market value” of the animal.

States including Alaska, Florida, Hawaii, and New York have demonstrated openness to cases that request relief beyond an animal’s market value. Emotional distress of the owner and the animal’s intrinsic value may be considered in some cases.

Why Would an Officer Shoot a Dog?

Perceived Threat – The main reason an officer makes the decision to shoot an animal is due to a perceived threat from that animal. People can protect their dog and the officer by eliminating or reducing any direct contact between the dog and the police officer. It is advisable to keep your dog under control, follow all leash laws and keep dogs indoors, if possible, during law enforcement neighborhood searches and 9-1-1 calls.

Actual Threat – Some animals have been bred and trained as weapons by their owners/handlers, or are genuinely aggressive when unprovoked and/or have been amidst an attack on a person or animal when the officer discharges his weapon.

Unleashed dog – An unleashed dog is a common factor in these tragedies, whether at play or being protective. Keep your dog under your control and out of harm’s way to reduce the risk and heartbreak for everyone.

Wrong Address – When officers respond to a domestic violence call or other complaint of an alleged crime, the tense situation creates the opportunity for errors. In some cases an officer may have the wrong address. Although it is difficult for people in their home to avoid these situations, keeping dogs away from the door in a secured area, like a bathroom, can help.

Miscommunication – In many cases, an officer may shoot a dog in a victim’s home, even while responding to a call from that victim. These instances demonstrate the need for better and competent training for police when they encounter a dog. There also needs to be more clarity on use of force procedures for all involved. Citizens would be wise to crate dogs or isolate their animals in a bathroom or other secure area after placing any type of call to the police.

Protective Dog – Sometimes an owner’s pet dog may simply be barking or acting protectively, as they are inclined to do when they perceive a threat or even simply observe or encounter a stranger. Again, this is an area which demands better officer training and awareness of non-lethal techniques when encountering companion animals.

Dangerous Breed – Sometimes dogs are killed because they appear to be of a dangerous breed. If your dog could be perceived as a dangerous breed, such as a Pit bull, Rottweiler, Doberman Pinscher, or German Shepherd, the risk factor to officers and your dog increases exponentially. Take extra precaution to properly restrain and crate your animal.

Poor Planning – Planning by law enforcement, prior to the execution of a search warrant, arrest warrant, or other contact with a civilian, must include anticipating an encounter with a dog or dogs and options for non-lethal techniques with any animal that may be encountered on the property.

What You Can Do