The officer shot the pit bull at about 8 p.m. in the Oak Grove Terrace mobile home park, 1407 N. Peach Ave., because the dog charged at him, according to the police report.
“I spent a great deal of time talking to the officer and reading reports to understand what had taken place, and there’s no reason for me to believe the officer did anything outside the policies and
guidelines of the department,” Jepsen said.
The Police Department unsuccessfully attempted to obtain video footage from bystanders who said they witnessed the incident. Jepsen said his investigation is complete unless witnesses come forward with video or photos documenting the shooting.
Jepsen said the officer was scheduled to be off work the weekend after the shooting, and he used that time to reflect on the incident.
“I could tell this situation had affected him,” Jepsen said. “It was very difficult for him to take the life of an animal.”
The dog’s owner, Gary Hebert, said he was upset the officer was not being disciplined.
“He should be (disciplined),” said Hebert, of Marshfield. “He chased my dog down and shot him.”
“(The police) were in the wrong,” he said. “They lied to me and said my dog tried to attack him, and I have several people saying that didn’t happen.”
Hebert said he plans to pursue legal action against the Police Department.
Neither Hebert nor Carrie Horn, who was watching the dog at her home the night it was shot, have been issued any citation in connection with the incident.
(Wisconsin Rapids Tribune - Jul. 19, 2013)
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