Hannah Camille Bealer

hbealer@gannett.com

WOODVILLE – The owners of a dog shot by a police officer have exceeded their goal of $5,000 to cover veterinarian bills.

Moses is a 5-year-old chocolate Labrador retriever. On Nov. 3, he was shot by Woodville K-9 Officer Steve Gilkerson during a traffic stop.

Gilkerson pulled over a vehicle traveling over the speed limit on U.S. 20 when he was approached by Moses.

In his written report, Gilkerson said "the dog seemed to be focused on a target of some sort. The dog was not barking loudly or growling at me but would not stop or veer from its current path either."

Gilkerson said he drew his gun and shot the dog for the "safety and the protection of others around."

The dog's owner, Lauren Bischoff, said she felt Gilkerson's excuse was ridiculous.

"He said the dog wasn't aggressive or anything," Bischoff said. "I said, 'I know, he's my dog. He's a chocolate Lab for God's sake."

Bischoff said Gilkerson was not reprimanded for the dog's shooting.

Messages to the Woodville Police Department were not returned Tuesday.

Since the shooting Moses has undergone surgery to help repair his injured leg, where his bones were shattered. Bischoff said she is expecting more veterinarian visits in the future, so she was happy to see the community went above and beyond with their donations to the "Justice for Moses" page on GoFundMe.com.

As of Tuesday, $5,630 had been donated.

Bischoff said she has received no apology from the Woodville Police Department.

hbealer@gannett.com

419-334-1035

Twitter: @hannahCBee