FILER, Ida. (CBS Seattle) – A southern Idaho police officer has
been placed on administrative leave after video showing him shooting a dog went
viral.
Filer mayor Rick Dunn made the announcement after a national
outcry, reports the Magic Valley Times-News.
In the dashcam video, Filer Police Officer Tarek Hassani can be
seen confronting two large dogs who are barking and growling at him.
‘He repeatedly yells at the dogs, including the black lab he would
eventually shot, at one point Hassani kicks the lab.
After attempting to get the dogs away and onto the front yard of
its owner, Hassani takes out his gun, and fires one shot.
The dog can be heard shrieking and whimpering before it dies. The
other dog runs away.
Off camera, but apparently with a microphone open, Hassani can be
heard talking to the resident of the home. He apologizes for shooting the dog
and says he was admitted to the ER once before for a dog bite.
The dog’s onwer is Rick Clubb, who was issued a citation for not
having a leash on his dog, Hooch.
Clubb told the Times-News he wants Hassani to be fired. “He had
other options. He didn’t have to kill my dog.”
It’s a mood shared by many residents of the southern Idaho town.
The police department has been flooded with letters and emails demanding
Hassani be disciplined.
Mayor Dunn promises a full and fair investigation. “We want this
to be as objective as possible.”
