A family pet dog killed by law enforcement raises tough questions: how should police interact with animals safely?

A Salt Lake City police officer fatally shot a dog last week, sparking outrage after doorbell camera footage of the incident emerged. The shooting took place near 1625 S. Main Street when the officer stopped to speak with a group of people. Police said the dog โ€œchargedโ€ at the officer, who then fired three shots while backpedaling. Video shows the dog running toward the officer and barking before the shots were fired. While the case is under investigation, officials confirmed it does not qualify as an โ€œofficer-involved critical incidentโ€ since no person was shot. Neighbors remain shaken, calling the response excessive and dangerous, with concerns that stray bullets could have harmed others in the area.

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The Voice of Stray Dogs or VOSD is the 10-year-old non-profit that is already the worldโ€™s largest no-kill dog sanctuary and hospital. With ~10,000+ rescues, 300,000+ free treatments given to dogs, 900+ resident dogs, we have experience caring for dogs in every kind of distress.