A family is grieving the loss of their emotional support dog, Nala, a two-year-old Chocolate Labrador after a sheriff’s deputy shot and killed her on Sunday.
The incident occurred when the deputy arrived unannounced at the home of Dianna and Scottie Dollins in Farmington. The Daily Mail reported that the deputy was searching for footage from a doorbell camera related to a nearby robbery. The family was unaware of the deputy’s presence until they heard gunshots.
Scottie rushed outside to find Nala lying on their driveway, fatally wounded, with a gunshot to her head. Dianne recalled that the deputy informed the family that Nala had bitten him, which led to the shooting. However, the family claims Nala is friendly and would never harm anyone.
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The St. Francois County Sheriff’s Office defended the deputy’s actions and said Nala bit his elbow and wrist. He is undergoing rabies treatments, as told by Sheriff Daniel Bullock, who also said Nala’s vaccinations were not current. However, the Dollins family disputes this claim, stating that the dog’s vaccinations are up to date and her behavior did not justify the shooting.
The family is seeking accountability and justice for the shooting, stating that the deputy’s unannounced approach and lack of proper notification contributed to the tragic outcome. Dianne says that the deputy’s fearfulness led to Nala’s death.