Deputy reassigned after Ziggy’s shooting
The fatal shooting of a dog named Ziggy has led to a “firestorm of controversy” in Colorado and to the reassignment of the Adams County deputy who pulled the trigger.
The dog was shot when deputies responding to a burglary call went to the wrong address.
Deputy Wilfred Europe III has been reassigned to administrative duties, according to the Denver Post.
CBS 4 in Denver reported last week that it was the second time Europe had shot a dog during his five years with the sheriff’s office. The first shooting wasn’t fatal.
In a news conference Friday, Adams County Sheriff Doug Darr said the case is still under investigation, but that certain details “need to be set straight.”
According to Darr, two deputies were dispatched to a burglar alarm call Monday at Thoutt Bros. Concrete at 5384 Tennyson St. The address of the business wasn’t clearly marked and, upon seeing an open door at 5460 Tennyson Street they approached it.
When the occupant of the building opened the door, Ziggy, his 8-year-old blue heeler/border collie mix, ran outside.
Darr said Ziggy was “barking and growling” and that the deputy retreated about 25 feet before kicking him. Ziggy continued toward the deputy, who fired two shots, one of which hit and killed the dog.
Jeff Fisher, the dog’s owner, says the officers told him to calm down when he reacted to the dog’s shooting, and that he could “get another dog.” Darr confirmed the deputy made those comments.
Fisher is being represented by an attorney from the Animal Law Center, Jay Swearingen, who says the sheriff’s account differs from that of Fisher. Fisher says Ziggy was running away from the deputy, not charging toward him, when he was shot, and that three shots were fired.
Fisher said he asked the officers after Ziggy was shot why they couldn’t have used a taser, and was told “It is what it is.”
Many citizens have expressed outrage over the shooting — much of it on the sheriff department’s own Facebook page:
“We’re really pleased that the public is concerned,” Swearingen said. “Our client can’t get his dog back, but what happened with Ziggy can … prevent this from occurring again to another family with their dog.”
Posted by jwoestendiek January 21st, 2013 under Muttsblog.
Tags: adams county, alarm, animals, burglary, colorado, deputies, deputy, dogs, doug darr, get another one, it is what it is, jeff fisher, killed, law enforcement, pets, police, reassigned, reassignment, sheriff, shootings, shot, Wilfred Europe, wrong address, ziggy
Comments
Comment from Jeff
Time January 21, 2013 at 7:24 pm
A couple of years ago I had an opportunity to talk to one of our animal control officers. She works for the county, goes all over, and handles everything from loose wildlife to rabid dogs. She’s been at it over 10 years and had seen a lot. I noted that she didn’t have a firearm or a taser. She said in all her years she’s never needed one. She does carry a chemical spray but has almost never needed to use it.
This county takes in thousands of animals a year, and she’s probably taken thousands of them. Never been bitten.
So I think if she can interact with that many dogs under distress without being bit, then a typical patrolman should be able to handle the situation without it turning into a shooting.
I suppose the big difference is that she has a respect and admiration for animals, and the cop just wanted something to shoot.
Comment from Linda
Time January 28, 2013 at 11:21 pm
It is obvious Jeff is a good , loving, and caring person.He loved Ziggy and this terrorist act needs to be addressed. Ziggy was not just another dog. The act of cowardliness should be an embarrassment to the police department he represents. Justice for Ziggy.
Comment from Laura U
Time February 20, 2013 at 12:34 am
Another gun happy American. Don’t think, just shoot! No wonder Americans kill their young in school shootings.
Comment from smoketoomuch
Time January 21, 2013 at 3:14 pm
Too bad for Ziggy this gun crazy killer wasn’t “reassigned” after the first dog shooting incident.
What’s it gonna take before the cops get the message? “DON’T KILL OUR PETS!” I hope the “reassignment” was to the unemployment line.