Los Angeles Police Department officers responded to a disturbance on Carondalet Street near 7th Street in the Westlake neighborhood Thursday evening at approximately 6:50 p.m. Backup units were summoned shortly after the initial call.
According to the department, at least one officer reported that the dog involved was acting aggressively and was described as “vicious.” After assessing the situation, officers made the decision to fire their weapons, resulting in the animal’s death.
The LAPD has not released further details about what prompted the encounter or the condition of the dog prior to the shooting. The department confirmed that an internal investigation is underway to determine whether proper protocols were followed.
Community response and police policy
Westlake residents have expressed a range of reactions, from concern for public safety to calls for greater transparency in how animal-related incidents are handled. Local neighborhood groups have urged the department to provide a full report once the investigation concludes.
Police officials emphasize that officers are trained to protect both citizens and themselves when faced with potentially dangerous animals. The LAPD’s animal control guidelines allow the use of lethal force only when an animal poses an imminent threat to human safety.
What comes next
The LAPD’s internal affairs division will review body‑camera footage, officer statements, and any witness accounts. Findings will be shared with the public in accordance with department policy.
In the meantime, the department encourages anyone with additional information about the incident to contact the LAPD’s non‑emergency line.
Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.
