3 officers on administrative duty after killing dogs in separate Philadelphia attacks

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Three Philadelphia officers are placed on administrative assignment following the shooting deaths of two dogs in separate incidents about a week apart, authorities said in a news release Friday.

Incident #1

Two officers from the 17th District responded to a call about a dog attack at a home in the 1600 block of South Dover Street in South Philadelphia on May 23, shortly after 4 a.m.

Police said they saw a 67-year-old man try to separate a Pitbull and a small Pomeranian, then the Pitbull bit a sergeant on the left arm. The first officer fired two shots, hitting the Pitbull, and police said the sergeant fired one shot, also hitting the dog. It is not clear whether the sergeant shot the Pitbull or the Pomeranian.

Authorities said the Pitbull and Pomeranian were pronounced dead at the scene.

The sergeant was taken to Presbyterian Hospital by medics and is expected to be OK. He was treated for bites and small cuts and then released.

Police said Animal Control responded to the scene and took possession of the Pitbull. They also mentioned that the officer's body cameras were on and filmed the incident.

The two officers, a 46-year-old female, 20-year veteran, and the sergeant, a 48-year-old male, 16-year veteran, are placed on administrative duty pending the outcome of the investigation in accordance with police policy. from Philadelphia.

Incident #2

Officers from the 39th District responded to a call about a dog attack in the 3000 block of North 16th Street in North Philadelphia shortly after noon on May 15, and police said when they arrived on scene they had seen a large Pitbull attack a smaller dog.

Authorities said that to stop the attack, an officer fired several shots, killing the Pitbull. The smaller dog died from his injuries in the attack, they said.

According to the release, one of the dog's owners, a 66-year-old man, was injured when a bullet ricocheted and struck his left arm. They said he refused medical treatment at the scene.

None of the officers were injured and the officer's body camera was also on and captured the incident.

Police said both dogs were taken to the Philadelphia Animal Care and Control Agency.

The officer, a 30-year-old male veteran of 7 years, is placed on administrative duty pending the outcome of the investigation in accordance with Philadelphia Police policy.

Another PPD agent was assigned to administrative duties to fatally shooting a dog in West Philly earlier this month after authorities said the Cane Corso mauled a 53-year-old man on the street.