St. Clair County, MI – An aggressive dog that injured a Southeast Michigan deputy was shot and killed by law enforcement, St. Clair County Sheriff Mat King confirmed.

“This is never the result I would hope for in situations like this,” Sheriff King said. “The deputy that attempted to help this dog was sent to the hospital as a result of this dog’s aggression. It is an unfortunate situation that deputies attempt to avoid at all costs, but public safety remains our top priority here at the Sheriff’s Office.”

The situation began Saturday evening when a family found a loose dog and attempted to drop it off at St. Clair County Animal Control in Port Huron, which is normally closed on Saturdays. The dog, wearing a harness, was in the back of the vehicle when deputies arrived.

When a deputy opened the hatchback, the dog immediately bit him twice in the arm and hand. The deputy closed the door and called Central Dispatch for EMS. He was treated at a nearby hospital.

Additional deputies arrived to secure the dog. Using a dog stick, they restrained the animal and attempted to bring it inside Animal Control. Despite the restraints, the dog remained aggressive, thrashing repeatedly. Due to the ongoing threat, deputies discharged a single gunshot, fatally wounding the dog.

The Detroit Animal Welfare Group (DAWG) confirmed the dog was believed to be a pet from Casco, but the owner has not been located.

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