A St. Petersburg police officer is under investigation after shooting and killing a dog while on duty, officials said.



According to reports, two officers saw a man identified as 21-year-old Kenneth McNeil in Williams Park on 2nd Avenue North walking a German Shepherd on a leash.

Police said McNeil has several prior arrests for disorderly conduct which have taken place inside Williams Park, and so officers attempted to stop him. However, they said he ignored them and continued to walk away.

Officials said the officers then tried to physically detain McNeil but he resisted and let go of the leash. The dog tried to bite one of the officers who drew his firearm and discharged it several times, resulting in its death.

McNeil was arrested on trespassing and resisting arrest with violence charges.

Neither McNeil nor the two officers involved were injured.

Officials said McNeil is not the owner of the dog, but was apparently walking it for a friend.