EUCLID, Ohio — While speaking with the family of a 35-year-old woman who was reported as being kidnapped, Euclid police officers encountered an aggressive dog who charged at and chased the officers resulting in officers shooting the dog several times, according to Euclid Police.
On Feb 6, Euclid police arrived at the home of the woman's mother on Crystal Avenue to complete a kidnapping report. While inside the home an 80-pound mixed-breed dog charged at the officers chasing them outside of the home and into a neighbor's yard. The dog was struck three times by two Euclid officers, police said.
According to police, while officers finished the kidnapping report additional officers transported the dog to an animal hospital where, at the owner's request, it was euthanized due to its severe injuries.
One officer transported to a hospital for his injuries is now on medical leave.
The status of the kidnapping investigation is unknown.
On Monday, the department said an internal shooting investigation was completed and it found that "both of the officers' actions were within the policies and procedures of the agency," stating that officers are permitted to use deadly force in situations where they are in imminent threat or death.
"It is both sad and unfortunate that officers were forced to take this action resulting in the death of a beloved dog. The Euclid Police Department values all life, both human and animal, and we are saddened for the family's loss," the department said.
You can read the full statement from EPD below:
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