Dog shot and killed after driver fails to stop for police: N.B. RCMP

An RCMP detachment can be seen in this file photo. (David Prisciak/CTV News)

The RCMP is investigating after a driver allegedly failed to stop for police, which later led to an officer fatally shooting the man’s dog.

Police say a member of the Sussex RCMP detachment was conducting traffic enforcement on Route 1 around 1 a.m. Sunday when he spotted a vehicle travelling at a high rate of speed.

The officer tried to stop the vehicle, but police say the driver failed to stop and instead fled the scene.

A short time later, the officer found a vehicle matching the description parked behind a business on Route 124.

“The member approached the vehicle and observed a passenger inside who began moving rapidly upon noticing police presence,” said the RCMP in a news release Monday. “The sound of a dog could also be heard inside the closed vehicle.”

The driver returned to the vehicle a short time later and was asked to provide identification.

“Despite being instructed not to do so, the driver opened the vehicle door, at which time a large dog exited the vehicle, barking and aggressively lunging toward the member,” said police.

“The driver, who is also the owner of the dog, made minimal effort to control the animal as it continued to advance toward the member.”

The RCMP says the officer, who was alone, tried to create some distance and pushed the dog away, but the animal continued to “act aggressively” and close the distance.

“Fearing for his safety, the member discharged a single round from his service pistol in an attempt to stop the threat,” said police. “The dog was struck and died at the scene.”

A second RCMP officer arrived within minutes and police say the dog owner then “left the area abruptly.”

The RCMP says the Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) – which is responsible for investigating serious incidents involving police – reviewed the file but determined it doesn’t meet its mandate.

The investigation is ongoing.

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