Please send another letter regarding Boozer, dog shot and killed by Newington Police

Wikimedia Commons | Not Boozer, killed dog

SOURCE | FACEBOOK

PREVIOUS ALERT

UPDATE

A well-respected, well-established business offered the Newington Police Department **FREE** training on how to handle and read dogs two weeks before Boozer was killed. The Newington Police deemed the training unnecessary and therefore declined it. Because of the pressure we’ve been putting on them, they brought in an investigator that is not part of NPD. So there is progress.

BACKGROUND | COURANT

A police officer shot and killed a pit bull dog Monday as it was charging him and a bystander, police said Wednesday.

Sgt. John Zematis said the bystander, a tree trimmer working in the area, had taken cover behind the officer as the dog charged at them with its mouth open. The officer fired one shot when the dog was 12 to 15 feet away. The dog was hit and dropped, but then got back up and charged again, he said.

“It’s an unfortunate incident, but the officer acted to protect himself and the witness,” he said.

A resident who lives on Main Street called police at about 2:30 p.m. to complain about a roaming dog. When the officer arrived, the dog was near the back yard of the house, where a tree trimmer working nearby tried to help him catch it.

Police said the dog snapped at them, then ran to the other side of the yard before turning and charging.

Zematis said the dog had no collar or tags, but the owner was eventually identified. He said no charges have been filed against the owner, who lives about a block from the scene.

A woman who said she is the daughter of the owner, but asked not to be identified, said the family has filed a complaint with the police asking for an investigation of the shooting. She said her mother, the owner, was devastated by the death of the dog, which she described as gentle.

“I’ve never seen him be aggressive,” she said.

Police did not identify the officer or the address of the house on Main Street.


WHOM TO CONTACT

Block

rmulhall@newingtonct.gov , swoods@newingtonct.gov

Individual

Chief of Police Richard Mulhall

Telephone:

(860) 594-6201

Email:

rmulhall@newingtonct.gov

Mayor Stephen Woods

Email:

swoods@newingtonct.gov


SAMPLE LETTER

Dear Chief Mulhall and Mayor Woods,

Regarding the dog, Boozer, who lost his life on April 16 in an officer-involved shooting, it is my understanding that a well-respected, well-established business offered the Newington Police Department free training regarding how to handle and read dogs two weeks before Boozer was killed. The Newington Police deemed the training unnecessary and declined.

Because of subsequent community pressure over the death of Boozer, the police brought in an investigator unrelated to the NPD. I therefore respectfully request information as to why the training was initially declined and how an innocent dog lost his life because of such a cavalier, irresponsible decision.

It is my hope that following such a tragic, needless death that the Newington Police Department now agree to the well-justified training, and I look forward to a positive response to my deserved concerns.

Sincerely,

Name