Disturbing video has emerged showing the moment a Queensland police officer fatally shot a family dog in Mount Isa on Sunday, after the animal was struck by a police vehicle. The incident occurred on Mill Street in Pioneer on May 31, with witnesses heard screaming and crying, and one woman shouting, 'That was a pet!' as gunshots rang out.
Details of the Incident
The dog, named Smokey, belonged to 15-year-old Kulaia-Gene Surha. According to Queensland Police, the dog emerged from under or behind a parked car and was hit by a police vehicle leaving the scene at low speed. Neither the driver nor the passenger saw the dog prior to impact, police stated. Officers were attending an unrelated matter at a nearby address at the time.
After the collision, a supervising officer arrived within three minutes and observed that the dog was suffering obvious trauma-related injuries and distress. Police said the dog was subsequently euthanised to prevent further suffering. The body-worn camera footage has been reviewed, and police confirmed the animal was significantly injured, adding that the actions taken were to prevent prolonged suffering and further distress.
Family's Grief and Questions
The Surha family has been left devastated by the loss. Kulaia-Gene's grandmother, Sharlene Boddy, told the ABC: 'We understood that he had to be put down, but there were other avenues they could have taken.' Ms Boddy questioned why officers did not take Smokey to a veterinary clinic for euthanasia and why the incident was not shielded from public view, given children and families were nearby. She said officers fired three shots before Smokey died at the scene.
'There were enough officers there who could have formed a circle around him,' she said. 'He was a great pet to her. When she needed comfort, she turned to the dog.'
Public Outrage
Locals took to social media to express their anger. One woman commented: 'If they ran it over, they could have at least tried to take it to a vet for any chance it may have had. Or at the very least, taken it away to do that rather than in front of the whole street. And what a poor shot for a trained police officer. The dog's tail was still wagging after that shot.' Another added: 'Are you kidding me? This is disgusting. That poor lady. So heartbreaking. What is wrong with these cops.'
RSPCA Response
RSPCA Queensland said it had seen the footage. 'Any seriously injured animal should receive prompt assistance,' the group stated. 'Where euthanasia is the best option to prevent further suffering, it should be carried out promptly, using a method that minimises pain, fear and distress.'
Queensland Police have defended the officers' actions, stating that the incident was traumatic for the officers involved, but that euthanasia was considered the most humane and appropriate course of action available at the time.
