Police: Officer Shot Dog In Self-Defense Following 911 Call

JOHNSTOWN, N.Y. (AP) — Police in upstate New York are investigating the fatal shooting of a dog by an officer.

Authorities say the shooting occurred Monday evening in Johnstown. Police say an officer responded to a home after receiving a report of loose dog that was chasing a child.

According to police, the officer saw the dog near the stairs of the home as he stood on the front porch. Police say the officer retreated from the dog as it barked and charged. Police say the officer felt threatened and fired at the dog after he bumped into his patrol car and fell.

Witnesses claim the dog was not acting aggressively. The owner of the dog was not home at the time of the shooting.

Police continue to investigate.