What is an officer involved shooting of a domesticated animal?
In the course of their duties, officers are at times confronted with domesticated animals that present a danger to public safety. Fairfax County Police Department’s General Order 540, Use of Force, describes when force can be used against an animal. The policy reads in part, that “deadly force may be used against any animal that is attacking or threatening to attack any individual or another domestic animal.”
Who investigates officer involved shootings of domesticated animals?
The use of deadly force against any domesticated animal that results in the animal’s death or injury is investigated by the Internal Affairs Bureau.