Deputy Shoots Copperopolis Dog

Copperopolis, CA — Some Copperopolis residents are questioning the decision of a Calaveras County Sheriff’s deputy to shoot a dog.

The Sheriff’s Department was dispatched to 3226 Little John Road last week because a resident reported that two unknown dogs were sleeping on her front porch. The Department says the caller reported that one of the dogs, a pit bull, became aggressive and was barking loudly. When the Sheriff’s Department arrived, the pit bull reportedly started barking aggressively at the deputies. A deputy used a Taser gun on the dog twice. The Department says the dog continued to be hostile and was eventually shot with a firearm because it was considered a threat to the safety of the deputies.

The Stockton Record newspaper reports that the pit bull was well known in the community, and some are questioning why the dog was killed. The dog was known for sleeping under the counter at the Lake Tulloch True Value Hardware store in Copperopolis. The two dogs had been missing for a day, and the owners had been out placing missing dog signs around town.

Written by bjhansen@mlode.com.