The Malone family in Wynnewood, Oklahoma says they’re devastated after a police officer shot their 3-year-old pit bull mix during their son’s birthday party over the weekend.
Instead of celebrating the joys of opening up birthday presents, Vickie Malone’s five-year-old son spent the day mourning the loss of their family dog, Opie.
“We hear a bang. My son looked out the window and he said mom, something is wrong with Opie,” Malone told News 9, a CBS affiliate.
Malone’s son, together with his friends, reportedly witnessed the police officer use a gun to shoot the dog in the front yard. They were watching from the window.
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The family described the horrible scene of blood splattered across the ground. The dog was struggling and flinching on its side, the family said.
The police officer then reportedly took out an assault rifle to shoot the dog again and put it out of its misery.
The cop was serving a warrant for a man whose last known address was listed as Malone’s address. Police Chief Ken Moore says the dog became aggressive.
“He said the dog came at him. He kicked it back,” said Moore. “The dog came at him again and he was forced to shoot him,” Moore told News 9.
Chief Moore said the situation is very unfortunate, but his officer felt Opie was a threat. “We have a right to defend ourselves so I stand by my officer in the decision that he made.”
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Vickie’s son and his friends made a cross for Opie and buried him in the yard where he was shot. “I really loved him so much, but I want him to come back alive,” Malone’s son said.
Police chief Moore apologized for the incident. “We do want to tell the family that we’re very sorry that this happened.”
Since the incident, Moore told News 9 that the department has received death threats. He is concerned for the safety of his officers.