PHIADELPHIA, PA - Philadelphia is grappling with a surge in dog attacks this month, leading to a series of unfortunate incidents where police officers were forced to use deadly force to stop aggressive pit bulls. In the latest incident, a police officer in North Philadelphia shot and killed a pit bull that was attacking another dog. This marks the third time this month that an officer has resorted to shooting a dog to break up an attack.
The most recent incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon near 16th and Clearfield streets, where a call for a dog attack alerted authorities. The responding officer discharged their weapon multiple times to end the pit bull's attack on a smaller dog. Tragically, both dogs succumbed to their injuries.
This distressing event comes just a day after another incident in Southwest Philadelphia, where an off-duty officer opened fire to protect a woman who a group of dogs was attacking. Earlier this month, an officer also fatally shot a cane corso dog that was part of a pack of four dogs involved in an attack on a man in the Mantua neighborhood.
All three officers involved in these incidents have been placed on administrative duty while investigations are ongoing.
These incidents raise concerns about the frequency of dog attacks in the city and the challenges faced by law enforcement in responding to such situations. While using deadly force is always a last resort, the safety of the public and the officers themselves remains a paramount concern.
The Philadelphia Police Department is urging all dog owners to be responsible and ensure their pets are properly trained and restrained to prevent future tragedies.