Niagara police officer shoots and kills ‘aggressive’ dog that became loose

A Niagara Regional Police Service sign is shown in St. Catharines, Ont., Friday, March 15, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Aaron Lynett

One of three “aggressive” dogs that was on the loose in Niagara Falls Tuesday afternoon was shot and killed after it charged towards an officer, police say.

Police were called to the area of Thorold Stone and Kalar roads at 5:30 p.m. for reports that three “large breed” dogs were running around in traffic and chasing pedestrians.

At least one person was bitten by one of the dogs and treated for minor injuries. Several cars and people tried, unsuccessfully, to round up the dogs.

When police arrived on scene and tried to control the dogs, one of them “advanced aggressively” towards an officer and pushed them into traffic.

The officer shot the dog with their service rifle. The dog died on scene.

“The other two dogs were captured. The Niagara SPCA and Humane Society attended and took over the investigation into the initial dog bite and any violations regarding the dogs on the loose,” police said in a news release published Wednesday.

The two captured dogs were returned to the owner. It’s unclear what charges, if any, they are facing.

Police did not say how the dogs became loose or what breed of dogs they were.