Owner of dog killed by police calls for cop's resignation

NEW YORK -- A village of Owego man is speaking out after his dog was shot dead by an Owego police officer Friday. Police said this came after the dog allegedly attacked two people, and another dog.

"My dog was shot for doing his job," Al Thornton, the dog's owner, said. "My dog laid his life down to protect my son and his two-month-old puppy."

Thornton said his two-year-old American Pit Bull Terrier, named Tiger, didn't have a mean bone in his body. But on Friday, the animal allegedly broke through a fence at the family's yard. Tiger bit another dog, and attacked two people, including an Owego police officer, causing a second cop to shoot the dog dead.

 

 "He was already shot twice, near the corner. He was shot three more times up there by the church," Thornton said. "And then the officer put a final shot in his head to put him down."

Thornton says his 12-year-old son saw the whole thing -- and is traumatized.

The dog's blood can be plainly seen on the curb along Main Street. But the owner's version of events comes in stark contrast to the one Action News obtained from Owego Police.

Police said the dog charged a second officer, who fired two shots, striking the animal's torso. They say the dog then ran at the officer again, leading him to fire a third and final shot.

"They could have Tased him, rendered him impotent, and took him to the shelter," Thornton said.

But police standing near the scene on Sunday said the officer wasn't carrying a Taser, and that the officer who was carrying a Taser couldn't deploy it after being bitten and knocked to the ground by the 75-pound animal.

That explanation isn't enough for Thornton, who is now calling for the officer's resignation.

 

"I want to see justice brought on the OPD for their actions," Thornton said. "If the officer knew how to fire a gun correctly, it would have taken one shot to put him down."

Thornton was arrested following the incident. He was charged with allowing a dangerous dog, a misdemeanor, and dog running at large, a violation of Village Ordinance.

The investigation is continuing and further charges are pending.

(WBNG - Aug 2, 2015)

Earlier:

• 'Aggressive' dog shot, killed by police, owner arrested