LAPD releases bodycam footage of officer fatally shooting dog during welfare check

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) on Sunday released bodycam footage showing an officer fatally shooting a dog while responding to a welfare check at an apartment building earlier this month.

The incident took place on June 13 after police received a 911 call from a resident who reported hearing a woman repeatedly screaming "Oh my God" from a neighbouring apartment for nearly 20 minutes.

Concerned that something serious may have happened, the caller asked officers to conduct a welfare check. Two LAPD officers were dispatched to the location and were directed to the apartment by the resident who made the call.

The woman inside the apartment was later identified as Marie Marseille. According to reports, she had been celebrating the New York Knicks' first NBA championship in 53 years with her dog, Jameson.

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Officers ask woman to secure dog

Bodycam footage released by the LAPD shows officers speaking with Marseille at her apartment door. During the interaction, Jameson, a two-year-old Golden Retriever-Saint Bernard-Poodle mix, can be seen barking at the officers while wearing a New York Knicks jersey.

The officers asked Marseille to secure the dog before continuing the conversation. She apologised, took hold of the dog and closed the apartment door.

As they waited outside, one of the officers can be heard expressing concern about the animal.

"I ain't getting bit by that, bro," the officer says in the video, describing the dog as "a big dog."

Dog charges toward officer

A short time later, Marseille reopened the door and resumed speaking with the officers. When asked whether the dog had been put away, she replied that he was not aggressive.

Moments later, Jameson emerged from the apartment again and began barking. The dog then ran toward one of the officers in the hallway.

The officer quickly backed away before firing at least four shots at the dog.

As the shots rang out, Marseille could be heard screaming, "No, no, nooooo," while witnessing the incident.

Police later described Jameson as a large mixed-breed dog weighing about 106 pounds (48 kilograms).

LAPD launches review

The shooting has sparked public attention and criticism, prompting an internal review by the department.

In a statement issued on June 18, LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell described the incident as "incredibly tragic" and confirmed that a comprehensive investigation was already underway.

"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," McDonnell said.

He added that any incident involving the discharge of an officer's firearm is treated with the highest level of scrutiny.

"There is no incident more serious than when an officer fires a service weapon," the police chief said.