Family Seeks Answers After Police Officer Shoots and Kills Dog in Miami Park
Incident Under Investigation
A family is seeking answers after a Miami police officer shot and killed their dog, Miso, a one-year-old French bulldog-Malinois mix, in a public park in April.
The Incident
Nicole Iyescas was having a fun day at Sewell Park with her one-year-old dog, Miso, when a man walked close to where they were sitting. Miso, who was on a leash, began barking and Nicole lost her grip on the leash. The man fell backward and landed at the base of a large tree.
Witness Statement
A witness, who wished to remain anonymous, said, "It was very calm. The dog was on a leash, everything was under control."
Tension Escalates
When Miami Police officers arrived at the scene, things took a turn. Nicole and her daughter, Esmeralda, said the officer was not giving Nicole a chance to speak or provide her own statement. The officer ordered Nicole to sit on another bench with the dog, leading to a tense situation.
The Shooting
According to Nicole, as the officer was giving her commands, Miso got agitated and she lost the leash. Miso approached one of the officers, who kicked him in the head, causing Miso to move to a grassy area near the parking lot. A witness said, "I heard a gunshot. My gosh. And then I saw my dog falling on the floor."
Aftermath
The man who was bitten by Miso was taken to the hospital for treatment. A Miami Fire Rescue spokesperson said the man suffered a 27-year-old man with an injury on his left arm.
Investigation
The Miami Police Department has launched an internal investigation into the incident. A police report states that officers responded to a dog bite complaint, and one officer fired a gun, killing the dog. However, the report does not provide further details.
Body Camera Video
The department has denied NBC6’s request for body camera footage, citing an ongoing internal affairs investigation.
Community Reaction
The witness who spoke to NBC6 said, "For me, it was like, how did we go from dog on leash to dog dead?"
Conclusion
The incident has left the family seeking answers and justice. Nicole has filed a complaint with the Miami Police Department, stating, "They made my life very difficult that day." The community is left wondering how such a situation could have unfolded, and what can be done to prevent similar incidents in the future.
FAQs
Q: What happened during the incident?
A: A man was bitten by a dog, and the dog was subsequently killed by a police officer.
Q: Why did the officer shoot the dog?
A: The police report does not provide further details, and the department is citing an ongoing internal affairs investigation.
Q: What is the outcome of the investigation?
A: The investigation is ongoing, and no further details have been released.
Q: Did the officers receive training on dealing with animals?
A: A source within the department reported that officers are not trained to render aid to animals.
