Salt Lake City Officer Shoots Dog After Being Bitten During Investigation

SALT LAKE CITY, UT – March 23, 2025 – The Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD) investigated an incident in which an officer shot a dog after being bitten and injured during a response to a trespassing call at 1692 West North Temple Street. The incident occurred at approximately a.m. on Sunday, March 23, 2025.

SLC911 received a call from a convenience store employee who reported trespassers in the area, which had faced ongoing public safety challenges. Upon arrival, two officers encountered a large group in the parking lot and requested additional units. As officers approached, some individuals began to walk away, prompting verbal commands to remain in place for the investigation of reported criminal trespassing.
During the encounter, a leashed dog, not held by anyone, barked and lunged at an officer, biting him. The officer broke free, drew his firearm, and issued commands for the dog’s owner to secure the animal. Despite the injury, the officer continued the investigation after the owner regained control of the dog.

Preliminary information indicated the owner then handed the dog to another person, who walked through the parking lot with it. As an officer approached to detain the dog for Salt Lake County Animal Services, the dog acted aggressively, and the handler struggled to maintain control. The dog, possibly slipping its collar, broke free and charged at the officer, who issued repeated commands to regain control while attempting to create distance.
As the dog continued advancing and later charged toward the initially bitten officer, the officer discharged his firearm, striking the dog. The dog’s owner approached the scene and was temporarily detained for safety and evidence preservation. The critically injured dog was later euthanized by Salt Lake County Animal Services.

After processing the scene, SLCPD officers and Animal Services allowed the owner a private moment with her dog, returned some of the dog’s property, and provided information on retrieving the dog’s remains. Officers then drove the owner to her apartment.
The injured officer received hospital treatment for non-life-threatening injuries. No arrests or citations were issued; those trespassing received verbal warnings.