Cobb County Police Kill Family Dog

POWDER SPRINGS, GA — The Cobb County Police Department is conducting an internal review after an officer fatally shot a "potentially threatening" family dog at a home on Macland Road.

According to police, officers responded to a call for assistance around 8:45 p.m. on Monday after a 911 call was made from a cell phone that could only dial emergency services.

Officers searched the area near Corner Road and were led to a home on Macland Road. While speaking with the homeowners, the family's dogs began to exit the house. The owners tried to restrain them, but one dog ran toward the officers.

The officer perceived the dog's actions as "potentially threatening" and, in an effort to protect himself, shot and killed the dog.

A Facebook page, apparently created by the family, identified the dog as Zeta, a white and brown "bird dog lab mix." The "Justice for Zeta" page shared photos and the family's account of the incident.

In a Facebook post, the family explained that Zeta and another dog escaped through an unlatched glass screen door. A family member managed to get one dog back inside and was on their way to retrieve Zeta when the officer shot her. Initially, the family member thought Zeta had been tased.

Three young children witnessed the shooting, according to the family's post.

"We understand the impact this incident may have and the emotions surrounding cases like this. As with all incidents of this type, an internal review will be conducted," police said in a news release.