A Munhall-based man claims that a police officer shot and killed his dog on Thursday, May 23. His pup, named Nietzsche, apparently jumped on the officer to greet him, only for the police to shoot him dead. The resident is now looking for an explanation as to why the traumatic incident happened as he believes the police officer’s claims don’t add up to what he witnessed.
Pennsylvania man claims police officer shot and killed his dog
On May 23, Munhall resident Jeffrey Horner called the police to report a break-in. The man had supposedly warned the officer that his dog might jump on him to greet him. However, when Nietzsche did jump on the police officer, they ended up falling. Once they were back up, the police officer shot and killed the pup.
Nietzsche was only two and a half years old. The incident happened while Horner was talking to the police. It all happened too quickly for the Munhall resident to register immediately. He told CBS, “I feel like there is a certain amount of experience, a certain amount of trauma that I can’t remember if I’ve ever experienced.”
The police officer claims that they were bitten by the dog, resulting in the shooting and killing. However, Horner noted that the officer’s statement didn’t match what he saw as he was present on the scene. He also stated that body cam footage would be beneficial and could help clarify any confusion.
Horner did note that he isn’t sure if the shooting incident was legally wrong. However, he would like some answers and the truth behind the incident to be revealed to everyone. The Munhall resident is also trying to gather relevant doorbell footage to shed light on the traumatic incident.
While he isn’t sure if the police officer shooting and killing his dog was legally wrong, he believes that it could have been avoided. Horner has been having a hard time coping with the loss of his beloved pup. He has hired an attorney to help with the case, but further details are yet to be released.
