TUCSON (KGUN9-TV) - The owner of a pitbull who was shot and killed by a Tucson Police officer Tuesday is speaking out, calling his beloved pet part of the family.
"She's not a dog, she's a family member," said owner, Pablo Mares.
The family of the dog was not home at the time, but says the dogs sometimes get out of the fence. Mares believes the use of force was excessive, and said the dogs have never hurt anyone.
"The dog is a family member with seven children in the home. She is a loving, caring, family member, " said Mares.
The man who called 911 spoke to Nine On Your Side, but wanted to remian anonymous. He said he was driving through the neighborhood near Elm and 9th Avenue on Tuesday when he saw the 4-year-old pitbull and her two five-month-old puppies. He said they did not have tags or leashes, and they were aggressively barking at three other dogs through a fence.
He says it was a dangerous situation and was afraid if he did not report the dogs, that someone walking through the neighborhood might be attacked.
TPD says when the officer showed up, the dog bit him. The dog attempted to bite him again and that is when he shot her.
Tucson Police could not comment because of the ongoing investigation.
