On April 14, 2012 my best friend, Cisco, a Blue Heeler, was gunned down by an APD officer that was at the wrong address of a domestic disturbance call.

I was in my backyard, playing frisbee with my dog, Cisco. When I went to get something from my truck in the driveway, I was met by Officer Griffin, who pulled out his gun and told me to put my hands in the air. Cisco came out of the yard behind me and started barking when he saw the officer. Unable to restrain Cisco because I was being held at gunpoint, I told Officer Griffin that Cisco would not hurt him and begged that he not shoot him. The officer shot and killed Cisco anyway.

My dog didn't deserve to be shot. He deserved better. I believe the people of the City of Austin deserve better.

Cisco's death is a tragedy that cannot be undone, but justice can be served. Please sign this petition asking that APD Officer Griffin, who showed no remorse for wrongfully killing Cisco, be held accountable.

The Austin Police Department also needs to take steps to make sure officers don't kill any other innocent dogs by improving training and adopting a policy that only allows the use of lethal force on animals as a last resort.