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The RPS has launched an internal investigation and spoken with the Murphy as well as other eyewitnesses, including civilians.

At about 12:20 p.m. Wednesday, Murphy, who is disabled and uses a cane, took his two dogs to a open field in the area near Rambler Park, in the west-central area of the city. Murphy, who can’t stand for long periods, prefers the location because he can let the dogs out and remain seated in his vehicle.

“Missty is a loving dog that only aims to please. She is basically a therapy dog to me and she is my everything,” he said. “It’s just the worst thing that could happen.”

Photo by BRANDON HARDER / Regina Leader-Post

Nearby, members of the RPS canine unit were preparing for a training session, when an officer — who did not have a dog with him — approached Murphy and the dogs. Because the officers were in the process of setting up, signs alerting the public had not yet been erected.

“He didn’t wave at me, didn’t shout at me, he was just walking through the field approaching my dogs and myself,” Murphy said.

As the officer approached, Murphy said he tried to call his two dogs back to the vehicle. That’s when Missty, an American Staffordshire Bull Terrier, moved towards the officer with a ball his her mouth, he stated.

“The officer at this time was about 40 feet away from me. He proceeded to draw his gun, and he still had not said anything before opening fire at my dog,” which was then about two to five feet away from the officer, according to Murphy.

But the RPS says the officer reacted as he did because of a perceived imminent threat, and couldn’t confirm or refute Murphy’s version while an investigation continues. Police are unaware, at this point, if any video evidence exists.