Everett officer fatally shoots advancing pit bull
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EVERETT, Wash. -- An Everett police officer fatally shot a pit bull that he says was aggressively advancing toward him, a department spokesman said Monday. But the dog's owner
is livid that the officer took such drastic measures.
The officer was called to the 5400 block of Rockefeller Avenue around 11 a.m. after a report of two pit bulls running loose, chasing cars and acting aggressive, said Aaron Snell with Everett police. The report was on the heels of several other similar 911 calls through the morning reporting the two dogs were aggressively running around in the streets.
Sandra Boll was walking her chocolate lab when pups came up to her.
"They were running and barking and snarling," Boll said. "I was scared because I didn't know if they were going to charge after me if they couldn't get a hold of (her lab) Dakota."
But the dogs were nowhere to be found by the time the officer arrived on scene, so he went to a nearby home where there had been previous complaints about aggressive dogs, Snell said.
No one was home, but Snell said as the officer was getting ready to leave, two pit bulls confronted and trapped the officer on the front porch. One dog ran toward the officer.
"To escape the situation, he kicked at the dog to get it back and away from him," Snell said. "But the dog immediately came back at him very aggressively so he pulled out his sidearm and he shot and killed the dog."
The second dog ran away but was captured later Monday and returned to his owner. The officer was not hurt.
The dog's owner, Matthew Shong, says the dog was part of their family.
"And it's really heartbreaking that things like this happen all the time," he said. "People assume these animals are aggressive, and officers all over the country are just killing these pit bulls."
Animal control retrieved the dog's body and will conduct a full investigation.
"This is unjust for these families to have to go through this hurt and pain every day," Shong said, "because some officer is gung-ho and just ready to strike an animal down."
But Everett police say based on the complaints from independent witnesses, the officer was likely justified to use deadly force.
is livid that the officer took such drastic measures.
The officer was called to the 5400 block of Rockefeller Avenue around 11 a.m. after a report of two pit bulls running loose, chasing cars and acting aggressive, said Aaron Snell with Everett police. The report was on the heels of several other similar 911 calls through the morning reporting the two dogs were aggressively running around in the streets.
Sandra Boll was walking her chocolate lab when pups came up to her.
"They were running and barking and snarling," Boll said. "I was scared because I didn't know if they were going to charge after me if they couldn't get a hold of (her lab) Dakota."
But the dogs were nowhere to be found by the time the officer arrived on scene, so he went to a nearby home where there had been previous complaints about aggressive dogs, Snell said.
No one was home, but Snell said as the officer was getting ready to leave, two pit bulls confronted and trapped the officer on the front porch. One dog ran toward the officer.
"To escape the situation, he kicked at the dog to get it back and away from him," Snell said. "But the dog immediately came back at him very aggressively so he pulled out his sidearm and he shot and killed the dog."
The second dog ran away but was captured later Monday and returned to his owner. The officer was not hurt.
The dog's owner, Matthew Shong, says the dog was part of their family.
"And it's really heartbreaking that things like this happen all the time," he said. "People assume these animals are aggressive, and officers all over the country are just killing these pit bulls."
Animal control retrieved the dog's body and will conduct a full investigation.
"This is unjust for these families to have to go through this hurt and pain every day," Shong said, "because some officer is gung-ho and just ready to strike an animal down."
But Everett police say based on the complaints from independent witnesses, the officer was likely justified to use deadly force.
KJS You are the exact type of nanny minded twerp I was referring to. So emotionally focused on your own pet owner experience. Full of insults, and facts concerning the original breeding of the pit bull while ignoring the ongoing breeding that has taken these dogs from what they once were, to what they can be now. In one sentence you state the officer may have been justified in shooting this animal, in the next you state the animal was MURDERED. Make up your mind dumbass. Your tirade about bigotry is pure unrelated stupidity. Any person who owns an animal which exhibits or presents a clear and present danger to the public, should take responsibility for that animal to see to it that it can't injure the public. If there is ever any doubt about that, then that animal needs to be placed in the care of someone who can ensure that, as it was in the case of me with the dog that I once owned. I don't like the fact that the cop shot that dog either, but I'm more enraged at it's negligent owner who willfully put that animal at risk by permitting it to roam free.  I 'm also angered by armchair critics like yourself who cannot, and will not try to put your overly sensitive feelings aside and try to relate to the experience that cop faced. He didn't MURDER the dog, he killed it WHEN IT ATTACKED HIM. Too bad that cop wasn't youÂ
Some examples of Police Officers shooting cats. There are many more.
http://jonathanturley.org/2009/09/13/police-officer-finds-missing-cat-takes-it-to-a-field-shoots-it-in-the-head-and-throw-it-in-the-trash/
http://www.change.org/petitions/raymore-mo-officer-shoots-helpless-deaf-19-year-old-cat-stuffs-in-trash-bag
http://www.lifewithcats.tv/2012/02/29/family-of-haze-cat-shot-by-police-seek-change-with-petition/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/27/cop-shoots-dog-puppycide_n_1446841.html
get some traning please or call animal control
You may see the long list of police officers that have shot dogs here
https://www.google.com/search?q=how+many+police+officers+shoot+dogs&oq=how+many+police+officers+shoot+dogs&aqs=chrome.0.57j62l3.11083&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
a neighbor officer came to our home one day just to visit. we were having a barbeque in our backyard. we had our dachshund outside with us on a large piece of property. the officer came unannounced. the dachshund proceeded to bite his boot. we were thankful he did not shoot our dog.
JUST GOOGLE THIS AND SEE HOW MANY BREEDS OF DOGS THIS HAPPENS TO..........HOW MANY POLICE OFFICERS SHOOT DOGS?
HERE IS ONE IN DECEMBER OF 2012..http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_22232708/officer-charged-commerce-city-dog-shooting.....
The owner of those dogs should shut his mouth and hope he doesn't get cited for allowing 2 dogs, one of which is clearly identified as  having been from the breed of dog that was brought into being for the sole purpose of pit fighting. That breed of dog, although often friendly and affectionate towards their own masters, often will become quite vicious towards strangers and other dogs. I know, I owned a similar dog to the one that cop shot,  I had to get rid of it for that very reason. It loved me, but it was touch and go with strangers or other dogs, especially if they came around my house.
The fact that the dog's owner had a habit of allowing these animals to roam a neighborhood without being on a leash and unattended, is a demonstration of his own stupidity and willful negligence. The cop who responded to this call concerning dogs  roaming free, and showing aggressive behavior in that neighborhood, had every right to put  that animal down, especially when it threatened him. What is he supposed to do? Wait until it's chewing on his leg? Cite the owner and give the cop a medal. The rest of you nanny minded weenies need to put your personal experience with your own dog aside, and try to relate to that cop, and what he was dealing with. Had that dog been mine I would be trying to keep a low profile right now, and not sniveling about it on the evening news.
@Ray
I strongly encourage you to do some research before posting embarrassingly ignorant statements such as "the breed of dog that was brought into being for the sole purpose of pit fighting" on the internet for the entire world to see. It's ignorance such as yours that has infected our society with thoughts of Pitbulls being aggressive, blood thirsty, viscous beasts.
The American Staffordshire Terrier was ACTUALLY bred as bear and bull bait dogs, farm/ranch work dogs and widely used in WWI and WWII as a means to deliver messages on the battlefield and to aid in removing injured soldiers from the battlefield to safety. In fact, have a quick read about one "Pitbull" in particular that probably did more good in his lifetime and achieved military rank that most never have the honor of achieving.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sergeant_Stubby
AmStaffs were never intended for fighting, but when some sickos decided that they wanted to watch dogs fight, the strength of these dogs was appealing and apparently made for a good show.
You may also benefit from some of Cesar Millan's wisdom on his show The Dog Whisperer.
The officer may have very well been justified in this situation, but people like you spouting off your extreme ignorance is bigotry at it's worst. Would you say the same regarding any specific race of people based on a few bad eggs which, mind you, were likely not born bad, rather they ended up that way as a product of their environment?Â
Regarding your dog, saying that you once owned a dog similar to this murdered dog is just more ignorance. Are you saying that you actually KNEW this dog and that yours had a similar personality? Or is it that yours looked like this one? Wouldn't that be similar to racial profiling? It's too bad that you were heartless enough to actually get rid of a creature that you made a commitment to when you made the decision to make it part of your family rather than take the time to socialize it correctly and set clear boundaries. If your dog was aggressive to your visitors, that's your fault, not your dog!
Dogs, any dog, NEEDS work to do and exercise is critical. They will feed off YOUR insecurities which can throw a dog (any dog) off balance and yes, sometimes they become aggressive due to inactivity, lack of structure and insecurity. The bottom line is that people need to research breeds before deciding to get a puppy because it's cute. Any dog that has the "protector" trait would likely (hopefully) go after an intruder, just as I'd hope that my lab mixes would if someone was crawling through one of my windows at night. But this should never be mistaken for "aggression" or "viciousness"... the difference is that my dogs don't have the same strength so would likely serve as more of a warning than actual protection.Â
I really hope, for the sake of all canines in the world, that you DID NOT obtain another dog after giving up on your Pitbull due to your lack of education because whatever issues you had with your Pitbull, you will likely run into with any other dog because dogs are dogs and need the same balance regardless of breed.Â
Maybe you should get a cat.
I was walking my dog that morning. Both dogs came down to me and my dog. They seemed more playful and curious than aggresive. The pit bull seemed like the nicer of the two. The dogs sniffed around like dogs do, they all peed on the telephone pole and I petted both dogs. I really dont think shooting the dog was nessesary.. About a week earlier both dogs were in my yard. When I came outside to walk my dog both dogs ran up to us. My dog reacted in defence because of the surprise. I pulled my dog back and chased the dogs away. I do have a cpl and carry my pistol but these dogs did not seem like that kind of a threat to me. I think the officer overeacted and should have accesed the situation with a little more thought. When I kicked back the dogs at my door they responded and ran away.. They were probably just protecting thier property like dogs should do when a stranger is at your porch..I feel bad for the owner because I love my dog so much, he is my best friend.. My thoughts go out to you..
@William R. Malone Finally a smart man on here. God bless you.
I don't know if the shooting was justified. The police sometimes tell the truth, and sometimes not. And I don't know if the cop would have shot a dog of different appearance but the same actions; he might not really know that either. But I do know that there's a lot of ignorance and stereotypes about 'pit bulls', and a lot of hatred of certain social/racial groups of people which is channeled into hatred of these dogs because they are often thought of as 'typically' owned by certain groups. So while any dog risks getting hurt or killed if let loose (not least by cars) dogs people think look like a 'pit bull' (whatever that actually means) are at more risk. As guardian of the dog, you're responsible for its safety.Â
Anyone with pictures and videos of these dogs should contact the PD or City Attorney and share them so when the owner tries to sue there is no case. Having to shoot a dog is not a nice thing to experience and not something the majority would want to do.Â
So many ignorant people on here. Many people from good neighborhoods, good families, etc have pitbulls. It is not just bad neighborhoods as a few of you said. Years back it was the doberman, then the rottweiler, now it is the pitbull that the liberal media is teaching you to hate. I have pitbulls that are wonderful. Every pit i have met has been great. Lots of famous people have/had pitbulls too! President Theodore Roosevelt, President Woodrow Wilson, Helen Keller, Thomas Edison, John Steinbeck, General George Patton, Fred Astaire, Humphrey Bogart, Mel Brooks and Anne Bancroft, Mary Tyler Moore, Michael J. Fox, Madonna, Brad Pitt, Bernadette Peters, Alicia Silverstone, Linda Blair, Jessica Biel, Jessica Alba, and Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen are just a few other celebrities who own or have owned a pit bull. So dumbasses, I am sure these people do not need them as a status symbol or live in bad neighborhoods or other stigmas. Geez, pitbulls are just dogs! Calm the F down. Go to the shelter and meet one. You might just fall in love. I am sure I will get some negative feedback for this. Go ahead. I am done. Arguing with pitbull haters that have never even been around one and believing the media, is just like arguing with stupid. Can't do it.
@pretty-n-pitNo question there instances where Pits are great pets. Collectively... not so much. It makes zero difference as to 'who' has one. What you don't capture is that this is the predominant breed in fatal attacks on humans. Don't let the facts throw ya: http://www.dogsbite.org/dog-bite-statistics-fatalities.php If I am approached by a dog in a violent manner where I expect to be physically threatened I will not hesitate to expire the dog. By the way... there are some that know these dogs personally... have had both positive and negative experiences. The fact remains... that no one can debate with 'you' if it is the opposite of what your position is. Now... that is stupid.
Punks and losers with guns also known as city cops live for and dream of the moment they get to draw and kill something. A hot dog and leash probably would have done the trick. Just have a look at how cops handled Rosie the Newfoundland puppy last year. Oh ya, I feel safe with these trigger happy punks out there killing people's pets for the thrill of it. Yes I agree the dogs shouldnt have been loose but it was still a thrill kill for the cops. Nice!
@Enduroguy A thrill kill? Being attacked by two dogs and shooting in self-defense is not a thrill kill.
Here is an example to back up my opinion. Des Moinses finest. Yes cops kill for the thrill.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQRVpeXHUjg
@Enduroguy  That is the dumbest comment I have seen a while.Â
Oh have no worries dog owner. Just go to Craigslist the listings are full of the nasty animals. I have tried for months to find a puppy, either people want ridiculous amount for mutts or everything is a Pitt. Makes me vomit in my mouth. Thanks EPD, one less menace on the streets.
@Magicalwoman I think maybe you're the nasty animal if you think this pet owner will be able to simply "replace" part of his family and it's probably a good thing you can't find a dog! Do you eat your young?
I say this every time there's a pit bull story. Put a a bounty on them.
The only disappointment to this story is the officer did not shoot the second dog as well. I am speaking as one who has been attacked by a 105 pound pit bull while walking my dogs. I now carry bear spray from Alaska, and am considering seriously purchasing my first weapon since I sold all my guns in 1973. Good job, Officer.
@Hagar Ever consider that these dogs may not actually be "attacking"? I'll be the first to admit that any dog running at me does not put me at ease. But sometimes, like with my dogs (no, they don't happen to be Pitbulls, but I'm not a bigot either), I think they figure that the quicker they get to a new person, the quicker they can get their bellies rubbed or the quicker they get to another dog, the quicker the butt sniffing will commence. So instead of assuming that they want to rip your throat out, relax and try to read the dogs body language - tail wagging = you'll be ok even if they happen to be barking. Think of it as screaming kids running up to the ice cream man, think they're gonna eat him or tip his truck? Likely not, they're just excited about ice cream.
@kjs0228 @Hagar So I am a bigot, huh? Obviously you have never experienced a pissed off pit bull. Maybe I should have put my little dogs down so the pitty could have proved his friendly nature by instantly killing my dogs. Yea right. Reality check, dude.
@Hagar I am sorry you were attached but it isn't the dogs fault it is the irresponsible owners fault perhaps you should direct your anger in the right place.Â
@Taanya The owners weren't in my face trying to kill my dogs, the poor misaligned pit bull was. And the owner was in prison. The owner's mother was trying to control the dog.
@Hagar So the officer played out your fantasy. Keep salivating.
@ArtB No he did not play out my fantasy. If he would have, both dogs would be dead.
I had no idea how much hate there is for Pitbulls, until reading all of these comments. I've never owned one. Probably never will. I still default to; they are an extremely aggressive looking dog. So POS dirtbags wanting to look B.A. are going to go for the Pits. Its really sad because I've met some awesome Pitbulls owned by some awesome people.
This was a totally justified shoot by the Officer. Death or serious harm to the Officer was likely if he didn't take action. Sounds like these two dogs were a big problem for the neighborhood.Â
I believe these are probably the same dogs that were on the news a few months back running in the same neighborhood. They are repeat offenders most likely. The owner needs to accept the blame all around. He is the cause of his dog's death.
Given the circumstances as reported I have absolutely no empathy for the shot dog and or its owner. The greater good must prevail.
First of all, no dog should be wandering on it's own around any neighborhood and if it were to die while doing so it's the owner's fault. Secondly, I've been attacked by a dog and would have done the same thing as the officer unless it was a very small breed.
Had the owner been obeying the law this would not have happened. Â Keep your animals contained people -- for the safety of the animal as well as society.
@NWNative Go get a cookie from the jar, but only if you're not too fat to pat yourself on the back.
The owner of those dogs in the video is an idiot. Typical no responsibility for their actions. I hope he gets one heck of a fine also plus the bill for the bullet.
Thank you police officer for keeping our neighborhood safe. And to the owner, you are irresponsible and negligent. Well done!
I have pictures on my cell phone of that dog growling at me this morning with that other dog. Â My neighbor and i had to bring our dogs in as those dogs were stalking our fences trying to get to our dogs. Â This is not the first time those dogs were on the lose and they are dangerous, this owner is an idiot,he put all of us and our pets are risk and his dogs are out a lot, he should have lost custody of that other dog and got a big fine for the one that attacked the officer, I am sure that officer did what he had to. Â I was afraid for my kids going to school this morning and I did call 911 about 9 and they told me we would have to be pinned down for 911 to respond,. I called animal control and they didn't have a driver to pick up dogs today. Those dogs were also chasing another neighbor in her car. I am glad that dog is dead, I have been very afraid of it for a long time and it makes it scarey to walk my dog. Only wish the officer shot both of them. They stalked my alley for a long time this morning.
@None Obviously the police can't be counted on to protect you from loose dogs....might be time to consider carrying some protection. A gun and training on how to use it, if you are inclined. At least pepper spray or something similar.   People like this will just go get another dog to neglect and turn loose on the neighborhood.
One of the primary reasons I carry a pistol when I take my daily walks is to defend myself against large aggressive pit bull type dogs. Fortunately I live in a non trashy area. We dont have many pit bulls around here.
As well he should
Iâm OK with this
Cleaning up our communities one PitBull at a time!!!!! These are vicious dogs which will attack anything and everything. They should banned in communities with small children since they are very aggressive dogs!!
@NickM1979 There are no bad dogs. Only bad owners. Taking a position that it is the dog's fault is rather silly if the dog has been trained to be bad or has only had negative reinforcement. Not all people are capable of owning dogs and should probably stick to goldfish.
@slappywag That's like saying "There are no bad Grizzly's, just bad Fish and Game officers". Some bears just eat people. Given the chance, most of them would. Some bears kill for sport. Some cats kill mice for sport. Some dogs, same deal. Ever seen a Goldfish attack an earthworm? It's brutal.
You are right. It is irresponsible to have such animals in populated areas. Especially if they are not under 100% control. I have dealt with aggressive dogs. They do not live a nice happy life. Aggression computes to short life span. Where I come from, my dog stays on my property or my dog dies. I accept that as the rule. If these dogs were outside of a city and running around on people's property, the police would have never been called. The dogs, simply, would have never come home.Â
@slappywagÂ
Can't shot the owner and get away with it. So, the dogs pay the price!
@NickM1979Â They are all vicious just as you are a fascist. Why don't you go burn some books while you're at it.
@Chico @NickM1979 No thanks!! I don't need to, I read them on my Kindle!!! :) Regarding the pits, I don't care what you call me, 200+ deaths by pits attest to my conclusion than your rant!!
211 people have been killed by Pit Bulls in the USA since 2005. These dogs are killers. Most of the deaths are family members and most are killed by more then 1 dog. Labs are 2nd on the killer list at 2 deaths since 1988 then Rots, Dobs, and German shepards since 1988 have each killed 1.
@Ron Smith Pits were bred to be a killing machine. I don't understand the charm around having such a dangerous dog and putting others in peril. Good thing the mutt got shot!
If the dog owner really gives a crap about his dog, then he should not leave them to run loose on the street. Any good dog owner secures his pet in a fenced yard or kennel. He can whine all he wants to. I cannot tell you how many times I have run into dog owners who have their dogs loose and have no control what so ever . The first thing out of their mouths " Oh don't worry he/ she is friendly" Really, and what if my dog who is always on a leash is not friendly. If the loose dog happens to be a larger breed what do you think the outcome might be if my dog trys to defend his master or space. Be responsible and keep your pet on a leash or in a fenced secure yard.
@missyk Indeed.