PITTSBURGH -- A pet owner said an officer shot her dog and she wants the department to pay for her veterinary bills.
Aliquippa
resident Angel Hankinson said a police officer shot her dog fired three
times at her yard. She said the veterinarian surgically pulled pieces
of bullet from her dog's jaw.
Hankinson said her dog did not charge at the officer.
"She was walking, trotting and barking. That's all she did," the dog owner said.
Hankinson said her trust has been violated and that the police department owed her thousands of dollars.
"I'm ashamed to live in this town under that police force," Hankinson said.
Aliquippa police said officers were called Friday night for reports of smoke.
Hankinson
said the smoke was from a small fire pit in her backyard. She said
officers snuck up on her property without identifying themselves, and
fired three shots when her dog approached them.
"That could've been a child you're shooting in the dark," Hankinson said.
Police said the officer felt threatened by the dog and fired for his own safety.
Hankinson
said, however, that it was reckless behavior that other residents
should never have to endure. She said she plans to sue for the more than
$2,000 in medical bills she's paid so far.
"These officers of the law are supposed to trust and protect us, but they're running around shooting stupidly," Hankinson said.
The
Aliquippa police chief said they are investigating the shooting, but
has indicated that the officer was acting in self-defense - 19 Mar 2012.