Dogs killed by police after attack in Dover

DOVER, Del. — Dover Police are defending their actions after officers shot and killed three dogs in the Cannon Mills neighborhood Tuesday afternoon and now locals are reacting with mixed emotions.

Police say the dogs, who belonged to the victim’s family, were running loose around the neighborhood and were acting aggressive.

“We understand that it’s a sensitive topic, people just like officers do get their emotions up when it comes to animals and children and in this case it was something that involved both of those topics,” says Officer Trey Hoffman, Public Information Officer for the Dover Police Department.

On Tuesday afternoon, a 12 year old boy was viciously attacked by three dogs and police say when they arrived on scene, the situation was beyond their control.

“Unfortunately we had to use a lethal force against the dogs, that’s not an ideal situation, that’s not something that we certainly enjoy doing but in this case it was a situation that we had no further options at that point,” continued Officer Hoffman.

While some residents in the community agree with the actions officers had to take–

“They probably drew blood and once dogs usually get a taste of blood, they had no choice because they were aggressive,” says Cannon Mills Resident, Pamela Taylor.

Others took to social media, expressing frustration with the officers actions saying quote, “Disgusting. Don’t get me started society and the police failed these dogs! I AM LIVID.”

It’s important to note that there are animal laws in place in Delaware but some Cannon Mills residents feel like they need to be better enforced.

“They need to fine them, or either force these people to put their dogs on leashes not let them run loose because they have teeth,” explains Taylor.

Some locals were concerned that animal control wasn’t called, but police say they used their in house animal control officers to respond because they felt like state officials wouldn’t get to the scene in time.

Police say after the attack, the victim was immediately taken to a nearby hospital with serious injuries to his body and while the injuries are not life-threatening, officers say he will have to stay in the hospital for a little while longer.