A family whose dog was shot and killed by a San Diego police officer filed a lawsuit in federal court Tuesday.
The lawsuit alleges that when officers went knocking after midnight Feb. 22 at the Fuentes home, the family said police ignored two things — the "Beware of Dog" signs posted on the fence and their better judgment.
Owner Alfredo Fuentes said their 7-year-old mixed-breed dog Grizzly was shot three times by SDPD Officer Robert Meiselmen.
"Grizzly was a member of our family and he's very special to us," said Alfredo Fuentes Sr.
Fuentes said he and and his wife were jolted awake by the knocking, then gunshots. It took 40 minutes for the husky-pit bull mix to bleed to death, the family said.
The officer wasn't responding to a call for help, but rather canvassing the neighborhood for information about an assault and stolen car case.
"He had a Taser. He had pepper spray and he had a gun. He pulled his gun and repeatedly shot this dog," said family friend and advocate Sundi Sage.
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San Diego police called animal control, but help did not come, Sage said. A police lieutenant later apologized to the dog owners.
"An apology is not acceptable. They killed a family member and you apologize: 'Oops sorry, we shot your dog three times,'" Sage said.
Sage helped the family file four formal complaints with the department in March.
The Fuentes are demanding $200,000 for their grief. According to the family's attorney, Jule Kerans, they intend to use the money to cover whatever costs they might incur convincing the state legislature to create a law that holds police accountable for killing pets.
Kearns said the family wants “to implement mandatory training for police officers to avoid such unnecessary and violent incidents.”
"The family has no interest in money. They just want justice. They want to make sure this does not happen to another animal another family," Sage also told NBC 7.
In response to the claim, SDPD Lieutenant Scott Wahl said the department could not comment on the specifics of the incident because it is pending litigation.
"However, the San Diego Police Department provides training to all of its Police Officer’s on de-escalating encounters with animals, specifically dogs. Per Department policy, officers have the authority to use their firearm if they reasonably believe an animal posses an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury to them or another person," the statement on behalf of SDPD read, in part.
