JANESVILLE — Janesville police shot and killed one dog and Tazed another during what they describe as an aggressive confrontation Wednesday on Beloit Avenue.
Rock County Dispatch received a call from a neighbor shortly after 5 a.m. Wednesday about two German Shepherds trying to attack them.
They told dispatchers they were trying to get to their vehicle to leave for work; however, the dogs were extremely aggressive, so they were unable to do so, according to a Janesville Police Department news release.
A Janesville officer arrived on scene in the 1000 Block of Beloit Avenue and got out of their vehicle.
He was immediately met by the dogs acting aggressively, according to the news release.
The dogs began to attack the officer and the officer was bit in the leg. The officer tried to disengage and create distance; however, the dogs continued to come after him. He eventually slipped and fell into a snow bank. The dogs continued to attack the officer, according to the news release.
That’s when the officer shot one of the dogs to stop them from attacking him, according to police.
The officer fired one time, hitting one of the dogs. The dogs then ran away, however police say the dogs were deemed to be a danger to the community based on their actions towards the caller and the officer.
As other officers were coming into the area, both dogs were located and were still acting in an aggressive manner, police say.
A separate officer from the original shooting located the injured dog. The dog was unable to be contained due to its aggressive behavior and the officer was forced to shoot the dog, which died on scene.
The second dog was located and was still aggressive towards officers, according to police. Another officer was able to deploy their Taser which was effective. The dog was contained and was taken to the humane society.
The officer involved suffered minor injuries and was treated at a local hospital.
The incident remains under investigation.