Regina woman says police shot dog, then she was arrested for the ‘theft of my own pets’

Amid a family dispute over the ownership of two dogs, a Regina woman says she's devastated after police shot one of the animals in front of her house.

Jennifer Godfrey said one of the officers who came to her home on the morning of May 14 “allowed her dog Bane to escape,” then another officer shot the dog in the chest.

“My dog was already subdued and he shot him again,” Godfrey said.

According to a Regina Police Service (RPS) news release, officers were dispatched to a home in the 1500 block of Athol Street after a report of theft. Police say they were told two dogs had been taken without permission and they were believed to be at that address.

Godfrey said the call came from her mother, who Godfrey had spent six months trying to retrieve her two dogs from. Godfrey said the dogs are hers.

CBC News has tried to contact Godfrey's mother, but she has not responded.

Godfrey said that when police arrived at her house, she tried to show them proof of ownership, including registration, veterinary records and photos. She claims officers refused to look at any of it.

“They knocked on my door threatening a warrant,” Godfrey said. “[They said] they were going to take me to jail.”

The news release from Regina police says a dog then “ran out the front door and toward one of the officers.”

Godfrey said an officer was propping the door open while speaking to her, which caused her two dogs to escape. 

That's when another officer fired a shot at Bane, and then another approximately 15 seconds later, she said. 

“I felt powerless,” Godfrey said.

Godfrey said officers arrested her shortly after and charged her with theft.

“They arrested me for the theft of my own dogs.”

The Regina Police Service confirmed to CBC News that the dog was given first aid and transported to a veterinary clinic, and that its injuries were non-life-threatening. Godfrey said police told her Thursday night that Bane's leg was amputated.

Animal control not on scene

The Regina Humane Society (RHS) confirmed that animal control officers were not called to the scene.

Bill Thorn, director of marketing and public relations for the RHS, said animal control often works with police, but only by request.

“The Regina Humane Society acts under contract with the City of Regina to enforce animal bylaws as they pertain to companion animals,” Thorn said. “If the Regina Police Service or Fire and Protective Services encounters an animal, they will contact us to assist.”

Thorn said animal control officers are trained to de-escalate situations involving aggressive animals. They also have tools, like catch poles, to help capture an animal safely. 

“Often they will contact us because they don't have the proper equipment to manage and control an animal or transport it,” he said. “But again, we don't respond unless we're requested.”

He said that in many cases where the RHS is called, incidents end without injury. But even without the presence of animal control, Thorn says he understands officers can be put in tough situations where split-second decisions have to be made.

“Nobody wants to see an animal harmed, nor does anyone want to see people harmed.”

Godfrey said there was no reason for the officer to fire a gun at Bane, because he did not pose a real threat.

“He's a good boy,” she said. “He's not aggressive at all.”

Investigation ongoing

RPS says the incident remains under investigation. Because a gun was fired, the case will be reviewed by the RPS Use of Force Review Board and also reported to the Saskatchewan Police Commission.

Godfrey said she is grateful for the community support she's received. Her daughter, Annika, launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for Bane's medical care.

CBC News reached out to RPS, but they said they could not comment further as the investigation is ongoing.