WINNIPEG — Manitoba’s police watchdog says it won’t pursue charges against an officer who shot and killed a dog on a First Nation. The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba says it was notified in July by the Manitoba First Nations Police Service that one of its officers had killed a dog. The agency says that on June 11, the unidentified officer went to a home at Swan Lake First Nation, 165 kilometres southwest of Winnipeg, to make an arrest and was bitten by the dog. The officer told the homeowner that the dog would have to be euthanized because it bit another person the day before, and the homeowner agreed. The officer returned a short time later and shot the animal while it was chained up outside and children were in the home with the curtains closed. After investigating, the agency says there was evidence the dog was aggressive but other options were available for the officer. It says the Crown believes the officer’s conduct was concerning but that available evidence doesn’t support charges under the Criminal Code or Manitoba’s Animal Care Act. The agency’s report, released Monday, said an internal use of force report from the Manitoba First Nations Police Service suggested the officer “would have been well served to have considered all options available, including less lethal options.” “The report suggested further training for (subject officer) in this area, which the IIU supports,” the watchdog said. “Therefore, no charges are recommended and the IIU investigation is now completed and closed.” This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 17, 2026. The Canadian Press
