Call to charge cop after dog shot

Family say pet killing was ‘excessive and unreasonable’, writes Jarred Williamson.

A family who were left traumatised after their pet dog was shot dead by police have made an official complaint – and they’re calling for the police officer who pulled the trigger to face criminal charges.

The Chand family’s dog Budz was shot twice in the leg and once in the head by a police officer during a police search on a home in Papatoetoe, south Auckland in September.

They raided the home after they saw a photo on one of the family members’ phone, in which the young man was posing with a fake plastic gun that was mistaken for a real firearm.

The family have now approached a private watchdog, New Zealand Police Conduct Association, NZPCA, who have laid the complaint on their behalf.

‘‘I can understand if there’s a crazed gunman going around and there’s a dog in the middle getting in the way ... that it might be shot. But this is a shooting of a dog, someone’s beloved pet,’’ said Shannon Parker, president of the NZPCA.

The complaint labels the police actions as ‘‘excessive and unreasonable’’.

During the raid police found no evidence of a firearm.

But when the sound of police surrounding the property alerted the dog, who started to bark, the 19-month-old staffordshire bull terrier was then shot, despite pleas by the family to leave him alone.

The complaint said: ‘‘Police had no reason to believe anyone at the address was currently armed and/ or posing any threat to any person.’’

Parker said the family wanted criminal charges laid against the officer and were seeking compensation.

Two firearms charges were highlighted in the complaint: discharging a firearm near a dwelling house or public and careless use of a firearm.

The police handling of the case by officers was also criticised by the Chand family.

Police ‘‘terrified’’ daughter Vaishaali Chand who was home at the time and witnessed Budz being shot just metres away from her.

The officers also ‘‘showed no care for what had occurred’’, the complaint said.

Mother Uma Chand said Victim Support had been in contact after the incident.

However, the complaint revealed police hadn’t been in touch with the family after the shooting.

It said police only made contact with the family after the media asked questions about the incident.

Acting Superintendent Jill Rogers said police were aware a complaint had been laid with the IPCA.

She said the officer involved remained on active duty.

‘‘Police were carrying out lawful search warrants at the address... as mentioned in an earlier statement during the search, a large dog at the address charged at several officers.’’

‘‘One of the officers had to assess their tactical options and consequently shot at the dog to protect themselves as they feared for their safety.’’

As the incident is under investigation, Police wouldn’t comment further on the case.