Massachusetts police officer shoots, kills dog after being attacked, bitten
Police in the Massachusetts town of Wayland are investigating the actions of an officer who fatally shot a dog that attacked and bit him while he was responding to a call.
Acting Wayland police Chief Ed Burman said the officer went to a home on Concord Road at about 11:20 a.m. Monday to investigate after someone called 911 and hung up.
The officer knocked on the door of the home and began speaking with the homeowner when a dog darted out of the house and attacked the officer, biting him multiple times, according to Burman.
The family who owned the dog told NewsCenter 5's John Atwater that their pet was a 1-year-old pit bull-Labrador retriever mix named Blaze, who weighed 61 pounds.
"The cop was running all over the yard, so he jumped up and grabbed him by the arm, and let go," said a man who owned the dog.
Burman said the dog continued to pursue and attack the officer when he started to retreat to his vehicle. In response to the attack and the immediate danger he faced, the officer discharged his service weapon, shooting and killing the dog.
"I was coming out the door and the next thing you know, I heard 'Boom! Boom! Boom!" the man said.
"It was very traumatic," said a woman who owned the dog.
The officer was transported to an area hospital by ambulance to be treated for multiple bite wounds.
Police later determined that the original 911 call from the Concord Road home was accidental and was made by a child in the house.
"This is a very difficult and unfortunate situation," Burman said in a statement. "The safety of our officers and community members is of the utmost importance, and anytime an officer has to use force, we take it very seriously. We will investigate this incident to ensure we have the fullest possible understanding of what occurred."
According to Burman, a preliminary investigation indicates the dog that was fatally shot by the officer had a history and was previously the subject of prior complaints about aggressive behavior in Wayland.
The family who owned Blaze said they got him as a puppy and acknowledged that they were working with a veterinarian on his aggressive behavior because the dog bit two people in the past.
"He had bit before," the woman said. "The vet was working with us very closely and she said he probably had some anxiety. He's always been really, really good around my children and grandchildren.
"She really was hopeful that these things would work and we were taking the steps necessary," she added.
Burman said the dog's owner was not nearby when the officer discharged his weapon.
Wayland police continue to investigate the shooting and the officer's use of force.