Montreal police shoot ‘aggressive dog’ in Saint-Michel neighbourhood

Video footage is circulating of a Montreal police (SPVM) officer shooting a dog that was reportedly being aggressive.

Police confirmed receiving several calls on Sunday at 4:15 p.m. about an aggressive dog that apparently got away from its owner.

The dog allegedly attempted to bite pedestrians on Jarry Street and 15e Avenue in the Saint-Michel neighbourhood.

“The police officers had no choice but to fire in the direction of the dog, who was fatally wounded,” said Caroline Chèvrefils, a spokesperson with Montreal police. “Nobody else was injured in this event.”

Video shared online shows the dog approaching the officer before being shot and killed.

“I heard three popping sounds and then a few seconds later another pow,” said resident Richard Yeghiaian, who lives and works in the area. He said he saw the dog five minutes before the shooting.

“My customers were getting ice. He was just sniffing around and kept on walking,” he said. “The owner was across the street. I was worried it was going to get hit by a car by chance.”

Another neighbour told CTV News that the dog was uncontrollable and should not have been off leash. However, they said they didn’t see the dog being aggressive.

Both neighbours were shocked by the video of the shooting.

“It’s tough to see,” said Yeghiaian. “I don’t know what to say. It was sad. I mean, the dog never had a chance. You know, it’s a pitbull. Yeah, but it was a tiny dog, and I never had any problems with it, as I say.”

The SPVM said a full report must be filed after a service weapon is fired, but there will be no independent investigation.

The Montreal SPCA said it trusts that the authorities prioritized public safety, but also that the taking of an animal’s life should “only ever be considered as a last resort, once all other options have been explored.”

“Authorities should be equipped with appropriate tools to intervene with potentially dangerous animals and should receive basic training for such situations,” said spokesperson Maximilien Perron. “Through our Investigations Division, we already collaborate with police services and offer training on handling aggressive animals.”

With files from CTV News Montreal journalist Matt Gilmour.