A Lansing police officer fatally shot a dog on Thursday afternoon while attempting to arrest a man linked to a larceny complaint, according to a statement from Police Chief Robert Backus.
The incident occurred on the 400 block of South Francis Avenue, where two officers were dispatched to take the suspect into custody. Authorities say the man, who had an outstanding warrant for his arrest, refused to leave a vehicle when officers approached. The situation escalated as the man resisted arrest, prompting a series of events that resulted in injuries to both officers and the fatal shooting of the dog.
According to the police report, as officers tried to extract the suspect from the vehicle, a dog inside allegedly bit one of the officers on the hand and arm. After the man was removed from the car, the dog reportedly continued its aggressive behavior, biting both officers on the legs.
In response to the immediate threat, one of the officers discharged their firearm, fatally wounding the dog. Both officers were taken to a hospital for treatment of their injuries, which were not life-threatening.
“In situations such as this, the safety of the officers must be taken into consideration as well,” said Chief Backus in a written statement, defending the actions taken during the incident.
The Lansing Police Department has not yet released the identity of the suspect or further details about the larceny case. It is unclear what circumstances led to the man’s refusal to cooperate with law enforcement.
The department is expected to conduct a standard internal review to ensure the officers’ actions comply with departmental policy. Such reviews are typical in situations involving the use of firearms by law enforcement.
The shooting has sparked discussion in the community, with some expressing support for the officers’ actions, citing the dangers they faced. Others, however, have raised questions about whether non-lethal alternatives could have been used to handle the aggressive animal.
Animal behavior specialists often advocate for the use of de-escalation techniques or specialized tools, such as animal restraint devices, in similar situations. However, law enforcement officers are trained to prioritize immediate safety when faced with an aggressive animal during a high-stress scenario.
The Lansing Police Department’s handling of the incident and its subsequent review are likely to shape ongoing conversations about police interactions with animals and suspects during volatile situations.
As the investigation continues, Chief Backus emphasized the difficulty of such encounters and the importance of ensuring public and officer safety. Further updates from the department are expected as the review progresses.
