WASHINGTON -- A pit bull was shot and killed Wednesday morning after reportedly charging at neighbors in the 7100 block of Lower Ridge Road in Everett.
The man who shot the dog "was in fear for his safety and the neighbors," Everett police Sgt. Ryan Dalberg said. "It was definitely on their property."
Police received two calls about the dog on Wednesday morning. The first, a little after 9 a.m., was from a neighbor concerned that the dog was loose; the second was from the homeowner reporting he had shot the dog.
The homeowner's grown daughter was leaving to go to work when she was first confronted by the dog, Dalberg said. The dog apparently had been aggressive in the past.
"She ran back into the house and they waited for the dog to go away," Dalberg said.
Her dad began to escort her to the car when the dog came charging down the driveway, the police sergeant said.
Fearing for his and his daughter's safety, the man had armed himself with a firearm before he walked her to the car.
When the dog appeared and acted aggressive, the man backed up slowly toward the house. It got to the point where he was backed against a wall, Dalberg said.
"He didn't want to turn his back," Dalberg said. "He said he had no other alternative but to dispatch the dog."
The dog's owners were informed about what happened.
Police and animal control officers are investigating the incident. Their reports will be turned over to prosecutors to decide whether charges are warranted.
(Herald Net - August 17, 2011)
