In High Point, North Carolina, a family’s heart is broken after their beloved black Labrador retriever was shot and killed by mistake last Sunday.
According to the news release by Chief of Police J. Travis Stroud, from the Highpoint Police Department, an officer had been dispatched to an address off Homewood Avenue after a woman contacted authorities about a German shepherd in her yard that wouldn’t leave. The woman told police she was scared of the dog and didn’t want to let her children or her own dogs outside.
As the officer approached, he was told the dog belonged to someone down the same street; the officer drove to the home to ask the owners to retrieve their pet. The officer got out of his patrol car and walked towards the end of the driveway when ” a black dog (not the German shepherd) came out from behind the home, barking aggressively, and charged at the officer,” according to a news release posted the next day.
The officer backed up as the dog continued to charge and shot the dog four times, killing the
New release
dog. The dog was about 5-7 feet away from the officer when it was shot
Adam Barnes, the owner of the black Labrador retriever named Hank who was killed by multiple bullets, said his dog wouldn’t hurt a fly and wants an apology from the police department for shooting and killing his dog. According to the New York Post, Adam’s parents had been at Hank’s home when he was killed and denied any allegations that the dog had charged and was being aggressive. Hank was just going over to the cop to investigate – just like any other dog would do if someone comes onto their property.
Tragically, Adam didn’t even get to say goodbye to Hank. All he could do was hug his dog’s lifeless body one last time.
There is an internal investigation underway. Animal advocates want to know why Hank lost his life – after all, there is a noticeable difference between a German shepherd and a black Labrador retriever.
Rest in peace Hank. We are saddened your life was cut short through no fault of your own.
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Totally disgusting!!! “Bullies with badges”
are at it again……. Hank did not deserve to die. He was doing what ANY dog would do: bark to warn his family that someone was on the property. What if a child was next to Hank and the pos shot him/her instead (sadly this HAS happened)……. IMHO some cops are often too quick to shoot first and find out what happened later……. These “quick draw” cops should NOT be dealing with the public.
Hank, you didn’t deserve to lose your life. Sadly you were murdered by a pos who shot first and then reviewed what actually happened later. Wrong on so many levels..… I know you are in Heaven. Please look for MacKitty and join his wonderful snuggle buddies group and RIP amongst loving friends forever.