A dog was shot and killed by the RCMP after it charged an officer in South Surrey Sunday morning.
Police were called to a home at 128 Street and 16 Avenue at approximately 11:30 a.m. after a report was made of an aggressive dog that had bitten one person.
“When attending to the aggressive dog call, they could hear a child crying and it was in close proximity to the aggressive dog,” Cpl. Elenore Sturko told Peace Arch News. “The officer was obviously concerned for the safety of the child and when they exited their vehicle, the dog had charged the officer.”
Sturko said the toddler was unattended, and police are now working with the Ministry of Children and Family Development. Due to the privacy act, Sturko said she wasn’t able to provide much more information regarding the child’s involvement in the investigation.
SEE ALSO: Police shoot and kill aggressive dog in Prince Rupert
“We have to take into consideration the privacy of the family and child, but there was a child outside unattended when the officer came, which increased our response,” she said.
After the large-breed dog was shot, Surrey Animal Control bylaw officers were called to the scene. The dog, Surrey Bylaw told PAN Tuesday, died on the way to the veterinarian.
The RCMP threshold for discharging a firearm is based on whether the officer fears death or grievous bodily harm to themselves or a member of the public.
“The officer would be taking into account the totality of the situation. You have an aggressive dog that has already bit someone, it’s charging at the officer and very close by you have a vulnerable child. You have to take all of that into account,” Sturko said.
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