Thibodaux Chief of Police Bryan Zeringue Thursday evening announced the results of an investigation into a cop shooting a dog dead on Christmas Day.
"Detectives deemed the actions taken by the officer are not only reasonable, but are in accordance with all Thibodaux City Ordinances, Louisiana State Laws and the Thibodaux Police Department Policy and Procedure," the chief said in a news release.
He explained that the investgation found that the officer was bitten three times before first trying to get away from the dog, trying to pepper spray the animal, and then shooting the dog.
It all started on the morning of December 25, 2023 shortly after 10:30am.
The Thibodaux police officer on patrol, came upon a number of cars and people blocking traffic on North Canal Boulevard.
"The bystanders and motorist were trying to corral a loose dog," Zeringue said. "The dog, unprovoked then charged toward the officer, at which time it bit and latched onto the officer’s lower buttocks area."
The chief says the dog then bit the cop on each calf before the officer could get away.
"It came back in the direction of the officer. The officer then began back peddling, while trying to create distance. As the dog circled around the officer, the officer feared that either the dog would lunge back toward him or the subject trying to corral the dog, not knowing it was the animal’s owner at that time. In fear of the dog attacking again, the officer fired one shot, striking the dog. The dog succumbed from this injury shortly thereafter."
Zeringue says the officer was treated at the hospital.
"Detectives learned that although not required, the officer did attempt to go to a less lethal option (OC Spray), but wind conditions prevented. The officer ultimately resulted in justifiably using deadly force instead, after being bitten three times. The officer’s use of the service weapon was deemed to be in a safe, downward direction, with the ground being the object beyond the dog."
He went on to say that the officer’s actions were deemed intentional, but legal under applicable law.
"Use of Force Policy allows officers to go to the appropriate level of force deemed necessary by the situation."
While determining if the dog was up to date on its shots, the chief said they learned that the eight-year-old, male, Labrador mix had a history of biting and aggressive behavior.
"The Veterinarian and the records indicated the dog records were labeled with an alert “WB” (WILL BITE). The notes went on to say “Bit me in the office, Became very aggressive, Recommended removal from home, Dog is a danger if not careful."
You can read the chief’s full news release and comments on the reaction to the incident on social media by clicking here...
The chief said the video posted above did not tell the full story,
"In today’s society, it is very easy to get miss-led by a false narrative or partial video posted to social media.
Unfortunately, in this case as well as many other situations, the entire incident contained vital information that was not seen in the 19-second clip captured by the cellular device.
As we understand everyone can exercise their First Amendment right and form their own opinion, we encourage the public to wait until facts of the investigation are released."
