The HSUS Calls for Investigation Into Dog Shooting

April 18, 2008

The Humane Society of the United States, the nation's largest animal protection organization, wrote to Orleans Parish Police Superintendent Warren Riley, calling for an internal investigation into the shooting death of a Doberman pinscher by a New Orleans police officer. The HSUS monitors incidents of cruelty across the United States and provides input to prosecutors and law enforcement in hundreds of cases annually.

The Case:

News reports give the following account: A New Orleans Police Department officer responding to a report of a burglar alarm on Catina Street April 14 shot the homeowner's Doberman after police allege the dog lunged at the officer. The dog, named Jax, or the homeowner's other Doberman, Scarlett, had apparently tripped the alarm, which the owner installed about six months ago, in part to protect the animals. The officer reportedly fired eight shots at Jax. The 4-year-old dog fled to his living room, where he ultimately died. Jax was a docile dog who was recovering from spinal surgery, his owner contends.

"This is a tragic case, and Jax's family deserves answers, as do the people of New Orleans," said The HSUS's Louisiana State Director Julia Breaux. "We are calling for a full investigation into the incident and for the implementation of protocols to avoid similar tragedies in the future."

Resources:

The HSUS employs experts on the legal, psychological, political and social aspects of animal cruelty. Information is available at humanesociety.org/cruelty. To speak with an animal cruelty expert, contact HSUS Public Relations Specialist Pepper Ballard at 240-751-0232 or pballard@humanesociety.org.

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