Police investigations launched after officers shoot dogs in separate German incidents

Two separate incidents involving police officers discharging firearms at dogs have triggered investigations in Germany.

In Ludwigshafen, an officer is under investigation for violating animal welfare laws after shooting a Chihuahua during a patrol. The incident occurred while officers were attempting to control a 36-year-old man on a dark parking lot. The man was not the suspect police were originally seeking, who had reportedly threatened a restaurant worker with a firearm. During the encounter, the man resisted, resulting in minor injuries to both the officers and the individual. The Chihuahua was struck by a shot and later died at a veterinary clinic. The involved officer has been removed from field duty and must undergo retraining, while investigations into potential bodily harm in office are ongoing.

In Görlitz, police used a firearm to defend against an American Staffordshire Terrier during a confrontation with a 38-year-old man and a 13-year-old boy suspected of trespassing. The dog broke free and charged toward the officers and the owner. One officer shot the dog, causing a slight injury, while a second shot missed the animal and struck a nearby vehicle. Officers used pepper spray to stop the aggressive 38-year-old man. The dog was treated and moved to a shelter.