NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) – New Jersey police shot a dog over the weekend after the owner ordered the pit bull to attack the officers while they were responding to a noise complaint on Saturday night in Perth Amboy.
At around 9 p.m., Perth Amboy police officers responded to a call about loud music at a residence on Paderewski Avenue.
While officers were talking to neighbors about the complaint, one of the residents, a 60-year-old man, became agitated and started to argue and threaten the officers from his fenced-in yard, according to police.
The 60-year-old man, whose name has not been released, then ordered his 88-pound pit bull/mastiff mix to attack the officers who were on the sidewalk, police said.
The pit bull charged at the officers, knocking one to the ground and biting him.
The officers repeatedly told the dog owner to control the pit bull and take it inside but the resident refused, police said.
Both officers then fired shots with their weapons in “self-defense,” police said. One of the shots struck the dog.
The owner then grabbed his dog and took it inside his home, ignoring the officers' orders. He barricaded himself inside for over 90 minutes while officers used de-escalation and negotiation techniques. Eventually, he opened the door and was taken into custody without further incident, police said.
The dog was transported for emergency veterinary care. Police said that despite the owner's refusal to authorize care and the delay in allowing officers to help, efforts were made to save the dog.
The pit bull passed away on Monday morning.
The 60-year-old man was charged with aggravated assault on a police officer and disorderly conduct. He may also face animal cruelty charges, police said.
The officers responding were treated at the hospital for their injuries and have since been released, police said.