Early Thursday morning in South Philadelphia, a police officer fatally shot a Pit Bull after the dog attacked a Pomeranian and then turned toward the officers. The incident occurred in the 1600 block of South Dover Street shortly after 4 a.m., prompting an urgent response from local law enforcement.
Police shoot and kill Pit Bull attacking Pomeranian in Philadelphia
According to the Philadelphia Police Department, upon arrival, officers encountered a man in his late 60s desperately attempting to separate the two dogs: a tan-colored Pit Bull and a small black Pomeranian. The confrontation took a dangerous turn when the Pit Bull attacked one of the officers — a sergeant with the department — biting him on the left arm.
Faced with an immediate threat, the injured sergeant, along with another police officer at the scene, discharged their weapons at the attacking dog, shooting the animal. Tragically, both the Pit Bull and the Pomeranian died at the location. Following the incident, Animal Control took custody of the Pit Bull — per NBC.
The officer bitten by the Pit Bull — a 16-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police — received prompt treatment at a nearby hospital for bite wounds and minor abrasions. Reflecting on the gravity of the incident, police noted that both officers involved, the other being a 20-year veteran of the force, were equipped with body cameras that were operational and recorded the event.
Why dogs may act aggressively
Incidents of dogs acting aggressively, leading to unfortunate outcomes such as this, prompt discussions on the underlying reasons behind such behaviors. It’s essential to understand that dogs of any size or breed are not inherently aggressive. Factors contributing to aggression can include fear, territorial behavior, protection of owners, or reaction to pain or provocation. As such, proper socialization, training, and understanding of the individual temperament of a dog can play crucial roles in preventing aggressive tendencies.
In the aftermath of the incident, the department has placed both officers on administrative duty, a standard procedure as the Internal Affairs and Officer-Involved Shooting Department conducts a thorough investigation into the shooting.
