Salt Lake City, UT — A dog was shot and killed by police on March 23, 2025, during a response to a trespassing incident outside a 7-Eleven store. The incident occurred around 3:15 a.m. when officers responded to a report of trespassers in the parking lot of the convenience store located at 1692 W. North Temple St.
Upon arrival, two officers made contact with a large group of individuals in the area and requested additional backup. While one officer approached the group, a dog, which was reportedly on a leash but not being held by anyone, began barking loudly and lunged at the officer, biting him in the process.
Body camera footage released by the Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD) captured the officer yelling, “Take it out of here or it’s dead,” as the dog continued to act aggressively. The dog’s owner was able to calm the animal briefly, allowing the officers to proceed with their investigation.
According to police reports, the situation escalated when the dog was handed over to another person to be walked through the parking lot. As another officer attempted to detain the animal for animal services, the dog reacted violently, jumping and barking. The dog then broke free from its handler and charged at the officer.
Despite a warning from the officer, the dog continued its aggressive behavior, leaving the officer with limited options to protect himself. In fear for his safety, the officer who had been bitten earlier yelled at the other officer to move before firing at least four rounds at the dog. The animal was struck and collapsed on the pavement.
After the shooting, the dog’s owner rushed to her pet’s side, but officers intervened, pushing her to the ground and detaining her “for safety reasons and the preservation of evidence.” The dog was later transported to Salt Lake County Animal Services in critical condition, where it was euthanized.
The officer who was bitten by the dog was treated for non-life-threatening injuries at a nearby hospital. No arrests or citations were issued at the scene, and the trespassing individuals were given verbal warnings.
In response to the incident, the Salt Lake City Police Department released body camera footage and security video from the convenience store, though it was not included in public reports due to its graphic content and obscenities.
This incident highlights the complexities of law enforcement situations where both human and animal safety are at risk, and remains under investigation by the department.