FREDERICK, Md. — Animal Control officers in Maryland are investigating after a neighbor shot and killed a dog that was not on a leash and apparently acting aggressively. A spokesperson for Frederick County said the shooter is not facing charges, but the dog owner was issued citations.
The shooting happened on Nov. 3 around 6 p.m. That's when Frederick County Animal Control officers were called to help the Frederick County Sheriff's Office for a report of a dog shooting in Union Bridge.
A neighbor told authorities that two dogs were running free off the owner's property. The neighbor said one dog got onto their property, and told officers the dogs were behaving in an "aggressive and threatening" manner. The neighbor said he shot and killed the dog on their property.
Sheriff's office investigators determined the shooting was not criminal, and Animal Control took over the investigation. Animal Control officers learned the owner of the dogs has an extensive history of violations of Frederick County's animal at-large ordinance.
During the follow-up investigation, the dog owner was issued a citation for violating the county's ordinance because the dogs were unrestrained, unaccompanied and off the owner's property at the time of the shooting.
The incident remains under investigation. At the time, no charges were filed against the reported shooter.
Animal Control reminds all dogs owners that it is their responsibility to have their animals under immediate physical control at all times when off the owner’s property to ensure the safety and well-being of their animals and of the community in which they reside.