A Twin Falls police officer shot a dog Wednesday afternoon after the animal charged at him outside a home on Diamond Avenue, according to information released by the department.
The incident took place at approximately 1:30 p.m. Two officers had traveled to the residence to speak with a person connected to an ongoing investigation. After knocking on the front door, one of the officers stepped to the side in the front yard when a large Rottweiler came running from the side of the house directly toward him.
The officer discharged his duty weapon, striking the dog. Animal Control personnel arrived and transported the animal to a local veterinary office for treatment. The dog was subsequently treated and released back to its owner.
Independent Review Ordered
Following the shooting, the matter was referred to the Twin Falls County Sheriff’s Office for an independent investigation — a standard procedure when an officer discharges a firearm in the line of duty. That review will assess the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the officer’s response to the approaching animal.
Officer-involved incidents with animals are not uncommon during law enforcement welfare checks and residential contact visits, particularly when large breeds are unrestrained on a property. Rottweilers, a breed known for their size and protective instincts, can present a rapid threat when encountered unexpectedly in close quarters.
What Comes Next
The Twin Falls County Sheriff’s Office will conduct its independent review of the officer’s use of force. No timeline for the completion of that review has been made public. The dog’s owner has not been identified in connection with any charges related to the animal’s behavior at this time.
Twin Falls residents who witness or are involved in law enforcement contacts involving animals are encouraged to secure pets before officers arrive, particularly during scheduled contact visits. The quick response by Animal Control and veterinary staff meant the dog survived the incident without lasting reported harm.
For more on public safety developments in the Magic Valley, including a recent life-saving response by St. Luke’s staff during a Twin Falls shooting, visit Twin Falls County News. Additional local public safety coverage, including a recent assault charge against a Buhl City Council member, is also available on this site.