Owner outraged after dog killed by Sandusky officer - WICU12/WSEE Erie, PA News, Sports, Weather and Events

A number of people are outraged about a police shooting in Sandusky. An officer shot and killed a dog he says he felt threatened by, but the owner says the videotape tells a different story. We do not show the officer shooting the dog, but we do want to warn you that some of this video could be disturbing.

The entire scene was caught on the officer's dash camera. The police say the shooting was a matter of safety, but the owners argue the dog was not a serious threat and that there were other options. You be the judge.

Donna Hansen is the dog's owner, "Other than running around and playing she loved giving kisses. I probably got one thousand kisses a day from Lucy from the time I woke up until the time I went to bed."

This small Sandusky street is where Lucy lived and died. This is video from last Thursday when the Rottweiler was shot and killed by the officer. Police were called to the scene after a mail carrier said the dog was charging at her and growling. Interim Sandusky Chief Jim Lang understands how difficult this is for Lucy's owners, but he says the officers safety is top priority, "We are deeply sorry this happened, but if the dog was in the house or tied up this whole incident would not have taken place."

Hansen says the dog was just protecting her property like most dogs would if a stranger walked up,"I am sorry she got out of the house, but she knew her home and as soon as the police man showed up she was like hey, this is my house."

At times the video shows the dog backing away from the officer and that's why some are questioning the shooting,but the Chief says the tape doesn't tell the entire story,"Do you feel the dog was aggressive towards the officer? Yes I do, and if you look at the video you can see it squatting down with its hair raised, teeth showing and growling."

Hansen is hoping no one else has to got through the same pain, "This is not about me at all it is about trying to show how much I loved Lucy and want to help and make sure this does not happen again."

The Chief say the department reviews cases like this and if more training is needed they'll do it. After the officer shot Lucy, Hansen was cited for having a loose dog and no license. She appeared in court this morning and a number of supporters stood outside with their dogs. Hansen has another court date in May. There is an "I loved Lucy" fundraiser set for this Friday night in Sandusky.