LAPD dog shootings raise questions about police tactics, best practice
CBS California Investigates looked at the LAPD's Use of Force reports over the past 10 years and found the LAPD had 19 cases in which officers shot at dogs in 2016. So far in 2026, there have been four incidents, resulting in three deaths.
In 2018, a Los Angeles police officer shot Kush, a pit bull belonging to 7-year-old Neveah Aguilar, inside their Hollywood apartment. Kush was shot in the jaw while Aguilar, just a few steps away, watched. Kush survived but never returned to his former energetic self. Neveah's mother, Norma Lopez, sued the police for unlawfully entering their home during an unrelated investigation.
In 2024, another LAPD dog shooting occurred in Canoga Park, where a 2-year-old Golden Saint Bernard Doodle named Jameson was fatally shot by officers. Jameson's owner answered the door when two officers knocked, and Jameson barked as he moved toward the officer, prompting the shooting. The LAPD has conducted 19 dog shootings out of 19 incidents since 2016, with 12 dogs dying in those cases.
In 2026, there have been four dog shootings, resulting in three deaths. LAPD spokespersons stated the department is conducting a comprehensive review of tactics, training, and best practices, but declined to comment further. Neveah and Norma Lopez want their case, along with other similar incidents, to bring attention to the use of force against dogs and prevent similar tragedies from happening again.
Written by urgent.news from CBS News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
