Dog shot by school officer in front of children Columbia, TN (US) Incident Date: Friday, Jan 6, 2006 County: Maury Local Map: available Disposition: Alleged Case Images: 1 files available Alleged: Adult

Case ID: 6886 Classification: Shooting Animal: dog (non pit-bull) View more cases in TN (US) Animal was offleash or loose Abuse was retaliation against animal's bad behavior Child or elder neglect Login to Watch this Case

In Maury County tonight a family grieves the loss of a pet and waits for answers. The family claims a school officer shot their dog. Just as school let out at Highland Park Elementary School on January 6, 2006 in Columbia, a family who lives adjacent to the school says a school officer came over and shot their dog. The family says the officer shot the dog without warning. The two year old Labrador Retriever was shot right in front of Betty Rimaudo's daughter.

Rimaudo says she confronted the officer. "I saw the officer standing there and I said, 'Did you shoot my dog'? At that he responded, 'Yes, I shot your dog'", Rimaudo recalls. Rimaudo says she was inside the house when it happened, and apparently the dog got loose. The school officer says the dog charged a teacher, but Rimaudo said the dog, Madison, barked a lot, but was not vicious. "[She was a] very very gentle animal, said Rimaudo. In fact, she says the dog never bit anyone, not even in a playful manner. "

Animal control had the dog put down when it did not die immediately.

Now Rimaudo says she has a lot of questions for school officials and police. "I want to know why you would shoot my dog on my property and in such close distance to my children," said Rimaudo. "I don't think there is an answer for shooting a pet on private property in front of children." Rimaudo says it was a traumatic scene for her children. The name of the school officer is not available yet. The family says they never had any problem before with their dog and the school. They say they are considering contacting a lawyer if the school doesn't respond.

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References

News Channel 5 - January 6, 2006

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