A Regina Police Service officer had to shoot a dog this morning, Wednesday, February 16, 2011, in assisting other emergency personnel responding to a medical emergency.
At approximately 6:53 a.m. a caller to 9-1-1 requested EMS to a residence in the 1700 block of St. John Street, for another resident, a 38 year-old male, who was in some medical distress. The caller reported that he was unable to help the victim because the victim’s dog, an American Staffordshire terrier, would not allow him to approach. Police were dispatched to the scene to assist EMS. An Animal Protection officer was also requested and officers were advised that Animal Protection was en route. The first police officer arrived just prior to the arrival of EMS personnel, who staged outside. The officer located one male resident of the house who indicated the person in need of emergency medical treatment was upstairs. A large dog at the top of the stairs would not allow anyone to approach the victim, who was not responding to shouted queries or commands. The officer climbed two steps when the dog aggressively advanced on the officer, who then withdrew. The dog continued to advance; the officer, fearing that the dog would attack, discharged his sidearm into the animal. The officer then followed the dog into another room and, assessing its wounds to be mortal, fired another shot to end the animal’s suffering. EMS then entered the residence and transported the victim to hospital for assessment.
There is no criminal aspect to this case; however, any discharge of a firearm by a police officer requires reporting and review.