Small town demands body cam footage after Thayer police officers kill dog
According to a press release from the Thayer Police Department, officers responded to a report of a dog bite involving a 5-year-old child around 3:23 p.m. on April 18 near Brewer Street. The child sustained injuries to the neck, prompting officers to call for an Oregon County Ambulance.
Police say the dog remained at large when officers arrived and later 'aggressively charged' them during the investigation. One officer was reportedly bitten before police opened fire, killing the animal.
The department emphasized in the statement that Thayer city ordinances prohibit dogs from running loose and regulate the presence of 'vicious dogs.' Officials also noted ongoing strain on city animal control resources, citing frequent calls about loose dogs and limited capacity at the local pound.
'Clearly the outcome of this incident is not what anybody wants to see,' the department said. 'However, our officers will do whatever is necessary to protect the public and themselves.'
The press release shared on Facebook the morning after the incident has hundreds of reactions and comments.
Still, the department's account has been met with skepticism by some residents. In online posts and comments, several individuals claim the dog may have been on its own property and in labor at the time of the shooting.
As public pressure mounts, Ozarks First Investigates has submitted a Sunshine Law request seeking the release of the body camera footage from the incident. The footage could provide crucial insight into the moments leading up to the shooting and potentially address conflicting accounts.
The incident continues to stir debate in Thayer and beyond, raising questions not only about animal control enforcement but also about transparency and accountability in law enforcement responses.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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