Owner Shoots Dog in Self-Defense

A dog owner was forced to shoot her pet when it attacked her boyfriend after he moved one of the dog’s toys with his foot.

The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria’s animal control officers were called on Jan. 18 in response to this dog attack in the 5000 block of Eisenhower Ave. The boyfriend, who co-owned the French Mastiff or Dogue de Bordeaux, was trying to pin down the dog after it lunged at him.

Animal control discovered when they arrived that the dog had been fatally shot during the attack. Police and animal control have not filed any charges.

“This unfortunate incident highlights the importance of reporting all dog bites to animal control, regardless of severity," said Alexandria Animal Control Director Joy Wilson.

The dog had a history of aggressive behavior, including multiple incidents of biting, which had never been reported. The dog was adopted in August from a local rescue group. According to the owners, the dog’s aggressive behavior was never disclosed. Prior to entering the rescue group’s custody, the dog had been impounded multiple times in Prince George’s County, Md.

The Animal Welfare League notes that dogs that are possessive of their food and toys may growl, bare their teeth and act aggressively toward humans and other dogs when they feel their possessions are being threatened.

AWLA spokesman Patrick Cole added that the league offers assistance in behavior and training for dog owners.

The issue also highlights the dangerous job of animal control officers, who currently are only able to carry catch poles. Cole said “it’s an ingoing discussion with the city” about getting other tools such as pepper spray for difficult situations.