Goose Creek Officer Shoots Dog

A Goose Creek officer shot a dog Sunday.

A man called police just after noon because of a loose dog acting aggressively toward his 8-year-old girl. He said he heard his daughter screaming in the backyard. He came outside and found what was described as a yellow Labrador barking at her.

After interviewing the girl's father, the officer went to the home of the dog's owner on Dennis Drive. Another dog had gotten loose from the home on Saturday, according to police.

When he approached the house, the yellow lab reportedly charged at the officer. Fearing for his safety, the officer drew his gun and fired two rounds at the dog, with one hitting the animal in the left side.

The dog laid in the driveway until the owner arrived a few moments later, according to police. The dog's owner refused an offer to transport the dog to a veterinarian and said he planned to euthanize the dog.

Due to the circumstances, the dog's owner wasn't charged with violating the city's animal restraint ordinance, according to police.

The department will investigate the officer's use of force, says Capt. John Grainger, but a witness corroborated the officer's report and there is no information to suggest the officer acted outside of procedure.

"We recognize the important place animals occupy in their respective households and are empathetic toward the owner of the dog and his family," Grainger said.

In October, a Goose Creek officer responding to a similar call of aggressive behavior .