LAPD dog shootings raise questions about police tactics, best practice
Summary
A CBS California investigation found that Los Angeles police officers have shot at dogs many times over the past decade, raising questions about when police use deadly force against animals. Two families affected by these shootings are calling for changes to police tactics to prevent similar incidents in the future.Key Facts
- Neveah Aguilar was 7 when police officers shot her family's dog, Kush, inside their apartment in Hollywood.
- The LAPD has shot at dogs 67 times in the past 10 years, with 45 of those dogs being pit bulls.
- In 2016 alone, officers shot at dogs 19 times, killing 12; the numbers have generally decreased but increased again in early 2026.
- In a recent case, a dog named Jameson was fatally shot after walking toward officers who had asked the owner to secure him.
- The LAPD is reviewing their tactics, training, and best practices related to dog encounters.
- The families involved say better patience and methods could prevent these shootings.
- A lawsuit related to the shooting of Kush was settled, but details were not disclosed.
- Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has ordered a review of police deadly force in dog encounters.
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