Two-Year-Old Dog Fatally Shot by LA Police

Over Noise Complaint during NY Knicks Victory

Two-year-old family dog Jameson

Last month in Los Angeles, in the Canoga Park neighborhood, a dog was shot by the Los Angeles Police Department after receiving a noise complaint of a “screaming woman” during the celebration of the New York Knicks winning against the San Antonio Spurs. 

The incident occurred around 8:55 pm and during the call, the caller told the dispatcher “They’re screaming like something horrible happened.” When a woman, Marie Marseille answered the door, her dog which was seen by her side began barking.

The dog was a two-year-old golden retriever, Saint Bernard, poodle mix named Jameson. She had repeatedly told police that the dog was not aggressive. 

LAPD had instructed Marseille to secure the dog after it had barked at officers and when she reopened the door, the dog came running at the officers causing them to open fire. 

According to NBC Los Angeles, “The release of the video was also accelerated, given the public criticism and concern about what happened.” 

The department received several complaints related to the shooting prompting an investigation to be opened and the bodycam footage was released. But during the bodycam footage, the officer, who shot Jameson, had their face blurred out.

Jameson was wearing a blue Knicks jersey when the incident occurred. During the bodycam footage, officers were heard saying “That`s a big-ass dog” and “I ain’t getting bit by that, bro.” 

“The other officer appears to also raise a pistol into view when his partner shoots,” the Guardian reported. 

In addition, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass also released a statement regarding the incident and talked to the president of the police commission and LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell to review the department`s use of force policy on dog encounters along with prompting a “thorough and transparent” investigation. 

“What I saw on the bodycam footage is disturbing and tragic. The Chief and I agreed that it was important to release the bodycam footage swiftly,” the mayor said. “While the investigation is ongoing, I am very concerned about why shots were fired and Jameson was killed. This shooting makes clear that while LAPD provides officers with written guidance on the use of force and pets, this is not enough.”

The LAPD policy when it comes to use of force with animals is to only use force as a last resort when the animal poses a threat of serious bodily injury or death. To deescalate the situation, officers are trained to use non-lethal options like a fire extinguisher, chemical spray and a baton. 

It also states that dogs could also become agitated from the sight of a uniform and if the officer approaches, the dog could view this as an aggressive action and become hostile. This is due to viewing their owner’s property as their territory and would want to defend it by growling, barking and or assuming aggressive body language. 

“The size and speed of an animal can increase the potential of a missed shot and the possibility of an officer or bystander being critically injured by a bullet intended for the dog. An officer is authorized to use lethal force when it’s reasonable to protect him or herself or other persons from immediate threat of death or serious bodily injury,” The Los Angeles Police Department Use of Force Directive states. 

A reporter for NBC4 noticed that the footage released by LAPD quicker than normal, however the raw footage was provided had their faces blurred and was edited which was unusual. 

“The loss of a pet is deeply personal. For many, a dog is not simply an animal; it is a companion, a source of comfort, and a member of the family,” LAPD chief said in a statement. 

Cellphone video appeared online of Marseille crying over Jameson`s body shouting “We were just celebrating the Knicks.” The neighbor who called 911 felt guilty as she thought the woman Marseille was in trouble. 

More details about the incident are being demanded by local activists. 

“The tragic killing of Jameson was unnecessary and unwarranted. We demand immediate accountability, which can only happen through the prompt release of the body-worn camera footage and the names of the officers responsible for shooting and killing Jameson,” Najee Ali, a senior organizer for the Los Angeles National Action Network said in a statement. 

Outside the condo in Canoga Park where the incident took place, a memorial was formed for Jameson and there was an on-line fundraiser for its family.