SPOKANE, Wash. – A dog was found deceased by nearby neighbors. The shooting incident involved an un-leashed dog near Westview Elementary School.
The Spokane Police Department responded to a call shortly after 2:00 p.m. about a dog found with a gunshot wound at the intersection of W. Bismark Avenue and Fotheringham Street. Lieutenant Ben Maplethorpe, one of the first responders on the scene, explained the situation.
“The owner of the dog that was being walked, used a firearm and shot the dog that was aggressing on them,” said Maplethorpe.
Witnesses reported that a man was walking his dog when another unleashed dog attempted to attack. The man involved has not yet been located.
“We would really like the person that was involved in the incident to call us, to let us know their side of the story. We’d like to obviously interview them to figure out, a few things,” said Maplethorpe.
The Spokane Police Department wants to ensure that no other bullets traveled to nearby locations, including the elementary school and homes. Washington state law permits the use of a firearm if a dog is seen chasing, biting, injuring or killing another domestic animal. However, legal consequences may arise if the act is deemed intentional.
“And that’s what we need to speak to that individual about, is to figure out what those mitigating circumstances may or may not have been,” said Maplethorpe.
The dog’s owner, devastated by the loss, chose not to speak on camera. In light of the incident, Lieutenant Maplethorpe offered advice to the community.
He said, “Lieutenant Maplethorpe wants to remind the community to not only keep your dog secured and safe but also… when you’re a part of an incident involving a firearm, call 911 and stay at the scene.”
For more information on local laws regarding animal safety and firearm use, visit the Washington State Legislature’s page.
