Officer who shot dog dead after it bit him won’t face charges

A Manitoba First Nations police officer will not face any charges after fatally shooting a dog last year, despite the Crown stating the officer's actions were "concerning." The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba decided not to recommend charges, more than a year after the incident was reported to the police watchdog.

In June 2025, the officer responded to a home in Swan Lake First Nation for an arrest, but the individual wanted was absent. As the officer departed, a chained dog bit him. The officer returned to the scene later with a carbine rifle and fatally shot the dog.

The IIU concluded its investigation in February, sending its findings to the Manitoba Prosecution Service for a Crown opinion. The Crown determined that while the officer's actions were "concerning," the evidence did not justify charges under the Criminal Code or the Animal Care Act, which governs animal treatment and lawful destruction.

The officer claimed he had to retreat into the house due to the dog's bite and advised the homeowner that the dog might need to be euthanized due to its aggressive behavior. The IIU confirmed the previous bite, and the homeowner agreed to the dog's euthanasia after the officer's statement. Security footage revealed the officer returned to the police station, retrieved a carbine rifle, and later placed it back in its case.

GPS data showed the officer parked away from the residence after shooting the dog. An internal police report stated that the officer reasonably used lethal force due to the dog's aggression but failed to consider less-lethal alternatives, recommending additional training.