JSO: Dog shot after biting officer

Jacksonville Sheriff's Office says officer shot dog outside after being bitten

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – An officer shot a dog Thursday afternoon after he was bitten by the animal in the Woodland Acres area of Arlington, the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office said.

It happened about 4 p.m. in front of a house at Galveston Avenue and Bowlan Street. 

According to the Sheriff's Office, an officer was walking up to the home when a dog bit him and he shot the dog. 

The bite wounds were not believed to be serious.

It's uncertain what kind of call the officer was responding to at the time. News4Jax was told that police were at the house looking for a burglary suspect, but that person was not there and no arrests were made.

According to the family living in the home, the suspect was a relative who no longer lived there. 

Pat Lucas told News4Jax that, before his pit bull was shot, his wife explained to officers that the suspect didn't live there, but the officers came back.

"I come outside. There’s three officers in the yard. I got one taking an aim at my dog, who is 35 feet away, trying to run," Lucas said. "I run down there screaming, 'Don't shoot my dog.'"

Lucas said the fence surrounding his home has a sign reading, “dog on premises,” to warn people before they approach the gate. 

"I asked them, 'Why y’all shot my dog?' and I asked them can they get me some help. They looked at me with a blank face and said, 'That’s your responsibility,'" Lucas said.

As the dog recovers, Lucas said his family is asking JSO for help.

"They shot my dog for no reason and I want my dog taken care of," Lucas said.

On Monday, a JSO spokesman told News4Jax that the Sheriff's Office had received a formal complaint about the incident and it will be administratively reviewed.


About the Authors:

Jim Piggott is the reporter to count on when it comes to city government and how it will affect the community.