Peel Regional Police have admitted to shooting and killing a dog while executing a search warrant at a home.

The death of Gucci, a two-year-old cane corso and pressa canario mix, has garnered a plethora of attention on social media, with countless people expressing their frustration and disappointment with Peel police.

However, according to the force, they had no choice but to shoot the dog for officer safety as heavily-armed tactical officers were executing a search warrant relating to an armed robbery in Mississauga.

"During the execution of the search warrant, police encountered an aggressive dog that had to be put down for officer safety reasons," police said in a release.

During the search warrant, police seized the 89 assorted iPhones stolen during the robbery, a replica AK-47 air soft rifle and the knife used during the robbery. A stolen vehicle was also recovered. The total value of property recovered was in excess of $100,000.

Three boys, two 17-year-olds and a 16-year-old from Brampton, who cannot be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, have been arrested in connection with the raid early Saturday (March 17) in the area of Humber Station Road and King Street in Bolton.

They face several charges, including robbery, using an imitation firearm and possession of stolen property.

A teen who lives in the home, whose identity cannot be released because it could identify the accused teen, said his dog was shot and killed by police in his parents’ bedroom.

“She didn’t have to die,” he told The Brampton Guardian. “I can’t imagine how terrified she was.”