By Police1 Staff
FAULKNER COUNTY, Ark. — An officer has been fired after shooting a Chihuahua during a service call.
Former deputy and K-9 handler Keenan Wallace was responding to a call Friday when he shot the dog, USA Today reports.
In a video, Wallace can be seen asking Doug Canday to “step to the road” while two dogs appear to be barking in the yard. When Candady declines, Wallace shoots the small dog in front of him.
The dog, who goes by Reese’s, suffered a broken jaw and shattered bones. Although he will likely suffer long-term effects from the shot, he’s expected to recover.
“She’s doing well, considering all things,” Canady said in a Facebook post.
“I believe there were numerous opportunities to de-escalate the incident,” Sheriff Tim Ryals said in a statement.
“We in law enforcement answer calls every day that require split second life and death decisions,” Ryals wrote. “We strive to be right 100 percent of the time. Our Department is [saddened] about this incident and apologize for any distress and disappointment this incident has caused anyone who was affected by this disheartening event. We will keep Reeses in our thoughts through the recovery process.”