Toledo Police Justified in Shooting Dog During Search Warrant Execution, Investigation Finds

TOLEDO, Ohio — An internal investigation by the Toledo Police Department has concluded that officers were justified in shooting a dog while executing a search warrant on April 9. The investigation followed the release of body camera footage, obtained by 13 Action News, which showed the moments leading up to the shooting during a SWAT and VICE Narcotics operation.

The search warrant, related to a drug investigation, was carried out at an apartment building located on the 1200 block of Starr Avenue. According to police documents, the operation stemmed from a March transaction in which a confidential informant purchased cocaine at a separate location. The warrant was issued to search the specific apartment believed to be involved in the operation.

Body camera footage from the scene reveals the officers approaching the building with a battering ram to breach the door. As they entered, the sound of a dog barking grew louder. Officers could be heard announcing their presence, shouting, “Police, police search warrant!” Moments later, a person inside the apartment yelled, “Let me put the dog down!” before the door was opened.

Despite the warning, the dog — a Cane Corso, described as large and hostile by officers — ran out of the apartment. Video footage shows officers firing two shots, leaving the animal injured on the ground. Officers continued with the search, demanding that the person inside lie on the ground.

While officers secured the apartment and conducted their search, another shot was fired, fatally wounding the dog. Police documents indicate that the dog had attempted to bite officers while on the ground, prompting the decision to end its life in order to protect the team.

The investigation into the incident found that the officers’ actions were within department guidelines, as they believed the dog posed a threat to their safety. Officers described the animal as “vicious” and noted the necessity of using force to neutralize the threat.

After the search of the apartment and the building’s basement, officers found no incriminating evidence related to the drug operation. As of Friday, nearly a month after the search, no arrests have been made in connection with the operation, nor have any arrest warrants been filed.

The shooting of the dog has raised questions from animal rights groups and some members of the public, sparking a broader discussion about police protocol when it comes to handling animals during law enforcement operations. Despite the justification provided by the department, the incident has led to ongoing scrutiny of police practices in such situations.

The Toledo Police Department has maintained that the officers acted in accordance with established safety protocols, but the incident continues to divide opinion in the community.