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Prince George's County police officer shoots dog

The dog 'ran out of the home toward the officers in what was perceived a threatening manner,' police say.
Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. — A dog was shot by a Prince George's County police officer after it ran toward a group of officers early Monday morning in a perceived threatening manner, police said.

Police said around 3 a.m., officers were called to a home on Southview Drive for a dispute. While the officers were talking to a resident outside, "a large dog ran out of the home toward the officers in what was perceived a threatening manner," police said.

An officer discharged his firearm, hitting the dog. The dog was taken for emergency care and is in stable condition, and no officers were hurt, police said.

Per police policy, the officer was placed on administrative leave. 

RELATED: Police shoots dog after it attacks, kills cat in Suitland

In November, Animal Control was requested at the scene of Cable Avenue in Suitland evening to help remove two dogs from the home after at least one of the dogs was seen on camera attacking and killing a cat. 

An investigation into the incident revealed when officers arrived at the location, the dogs ran out of the home toward one of the department's officers. Police said a second officer at the scene feared for her safety and shot one of the dogs.

The injured dog received medical attention and is still at the animal hospital. Police said the second dog was taken by Animal Control. Neither police officer was bitten or otherwise injured by either dog. 

Animal Control said they had been called to the residence three times before in regards to the dogs. In 2017 and 2018, they were called to the house for reports of animals at large.

RELATED: Police: Maryland officer shoots, kills dog after it lunged, tried to bite him

In September, a Prince George's County police officer shot and killed a dog after almost being bitten, police said.

According to police, an officer was patrolling the area of Jefferson Heights Drive and Cedar Heights Drive around 6:45 p.m. when he saw a sedan traveling on the road without license plates. 

Police said the officer initiated a traffic stop on the car in a residential neighborhood. A second officer arrived to help. Police said the driver exited the car and made contact with both officers, and during that time, a dog approached the assisting officer from a nearby hard. The dog, "attempted to bite the officer in the left leg," police said. 

Police said the officer backpedaled while simultaneously drawing his firearm. The dog lunged again at the officer "in a second attempt to bite him and the officer discharged his duty weapon, striking the dog."

The dog, a Cane Corso, was taken to a veterinary hospital where it died.

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