TX: San Antonio police officer at wrong house shoots family dog

Pit bull owners: San Antonio police officer at wrong house shoots family dog
Pit bull shot in jaw, SAPD looking into possible 911 call mix-up
Author: Jessie Degollado, Reporter
Published On: Oct 15 2012 03:05:56 AM CDT Updated On: Oct 15 2012 10:44:42 AM CDT


SAN ANTONIO -A local couple says a San Antonio police officer who shot their dog in the jaw early Sunday morning was at the wrong house.

Albert Morales said his brother, Hector Serna, woke him up before dawn after hearing the gunshot and then pounding on his window.

“I thought someone was trying to break in,” Serna said, since the officer never identified himself.

Serna and Morales said they went outside and the officer approached them saying there had been a 911 call about a deceased woman.

Morales then said the officer told him he was responding to the call from another family blocks away on another street, who had once lived in their house.

Morales said the officer then told him 20 minutes later to check on his dog.

According to Morales, the officer said, “He trotted up to me after I turned the corner, came to my feet and I shot him.”

Morales said the officer described how he told the pit bull to get back, and when he didn’t, he stepped back and fired his service revolver. However, the officer admitted to Morales the pit bull never growled at him.

“I don’t know if he meant to go straight down between the eyes or the top of the head, but it went from the mouth down,” Morales said. “It’s heartbreaking. It’s an innocent dog. He’s suffering.”

Morales said his dog must be kept caged for six weeks, wear a cone around his neck, a muzzle over his mouth, and must be fed liquid nourishment through a straw.

Morales' girlfriend, Sarah Bueno, said they’ve already accumulated nearly $600 in veterinary bills, not including medications, follow-up visits, and possible complications.

“We’d like SAPD to pay for all that costs that have occurred,” Bueno said. “Just take care of their mistake.”

A San Antonio police spokesman said the couple will be provided information on how to file a complaint and submit a financial claim.

The spokesman said it was too early to say whether there was a 911 mix-up, but the shift commander will look into the matter.

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