Owner: deputy shot, killed family dog

INDIANA -- A dog owner said a Noble County Sheriff's deputy wrongfully shot and killed their family dog. However, the sheriff and a witness said the deputy didn't have a choice.

Saturday, the Noble County Sheriff's Department responded to calls from concerned neighbors, saying a dog was running loose and chasing kids in a neighborhood in Bear Lake near Albion.

 

When Deputy Shafter Baker arrived, he got out of his car to talk to a concerned resident. According to Baker, the dog, a Rottweiler, aggressively ran across the street toward him, barking. So, he shot and killed the dog.

"He full board right out at him. I've never seen anybody draw so fast in my life but we were scared," said witness Ruth Teeter.

Still, people have differing views about the situation and the dog's temperament.

"They lay with him at night, sleep with him, he's their friend," said owner Jeremy Nordman.

"They was raised by that dog but I'm telling you when they're not around they have no idea what that dog is like and he's not a friendly dog," said Teeter.

"It's unfortunate. We never want to do those kind of things but sometimes you're forced to," said Noble County Sheriff Douglas Harp.

According to Nordman and neighbors, the dog was usually tied up. Saturday, however, Nordman said he and his family were on an outing and their dog, Chevy was tied up in the backyard and somehow got loose. He said when they got home, they found their dog dead in the street and his collar on the ground open.

"I'm sorry it all happened. I wish there was some way the kids didn't have to see it all, five little kids, that stunk, that was their family member," said Nordman.

Sheriff Harp said they do have less lethal action, but there was no time.

"This dog was in an aggressive mode when it was running at the officer and so he had to make a split second decision on what to do," said Sheriff Harp.

Harp said the type of dog does play a part in their decision.

"When you have a dog like that's left to roam, that's a recipe for disaster," said Harp.

"He didn't intend to shoot him, no the dog charged him, he had no choice," said Teeter.

Sheriff Harp said it's important to note that Deputy Baker has expertise in dealing with these types of situations. He is a retired military officer who was in charge of the kennel at the canine unit.

(WANE - Aug 14 2013)