COLUMBUS, Ind. — Columbus police have turned over an investigation into the shooting of a dog Thursday in the 700 block of Glendale Drive to the Bartholomew County Prosecutor’s office, which has declined to file criminal charges based on the facts presented in the police report.
Police said they were sent to the address on the report of a dog being shot, and spoke with an individual who advised his dog was attacked by another dog on his property. The man also advised that his dog was attacked by the same dog on his property two days prior and was injured in that attack.
The individual advised officers that the same dog attempted to attack his dog on his property on Thursday so he utilized his handgun to shoot and wound the attacking dog. The wounded dog was later euthanized, police said.
Based upon the statements and physical evidence gathered at the scene, the officers determined that the property owner did not violate Indiana criminal law when he wounded the attacking dog.
Columbus police said in a statement, “While we sympathize with both parties involved in this incident, it is the responsibility of law enforcement to apply the law without utilizing personal feelings or opinions.”
In response to public inquiries, the prosecutor’s office requested to review the report related to this incident and concluded that criminal charges are not appropriate in light of the facts presented in the police report, Columbus police said.
Anyone with additional information including video footage regarding this incident is urged to contact the Columbus Police Department at 812-376-2600.
