On the night of Oct. 14, a San Juan County sheriff’s deputy encountered a badly injured dog while investigating a stopped vehicle in a turn lane on U.S. 64. The animal lay behind the car, collar‑less and unable to rise.

Deputy attempts to aid the animal

According to a news release from the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, the deputy placed a leash on the dog and repeatedly encouraged it to stand and walk. The dog was bleeding from its mouth, had abnormal‑looking eyes, and showed signs of injuries that, in the deputy’s assessment, were not survivable.

After another unsuccessful effort to get the dog to move, the deputy used his service weapon to humanely euthanize the animal, ending its suffering. The deputy then moved the dog off the roadway so the New Mexico Road Department could collect it.

Sheriff’s office responds to criticism

Shortly after the incident, social‑media users claimed the deputy had stabbed the dog. The sheriff’s office issued a statement correcting that claim, emphasizing that the deputy’s action was a euthanasia performed with a firearm, not a stabbing.

Sheriff Shane Ferrari defended the deputy’s decision, saying, “Anytime a deputy is faced with the difficult decision to humanely euthanize an animal, it is never taken lightly.” He added that complaints are taken seriously and that deputies are held accountable, but urged residents to review the full facts before forming conclusions based on online posts.

“Our community deserves transparency and accountability, and our deputies deserve fairness,” Ferrari said. “I will always stand behind both.”

Training and policy

The sheriff’s office noted that deputies receive training to recognize when an injured animal is suffering and that euthanasia is considered the most humane option in such cases. The agency released video of the incident with a viewer‑discretion warning, allowing the public to see the deputy’s attempts to help the dog before the final decision.

While some community members expressed concern over the use of a firearm, the department’s stance is that the deputy acted within established protocols to prevent further pain for an animal that could not be saved.

San Juan County officials continue to monitor public feedback and reaffirm their commitment to both animal welfare and responsible law‑enforcement practices.

Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.