The Los Angeles Police Department has released body camera footage showing the moments leading up to an officer fatally shooting a family dog during what began as a welfare check in Canoga Park, an incident that has sparked widespread outrage and renewed scrutiny of police use of force.
The shooting occurred on June 13 after officers responded to a 911 call reporting a woman screaming inside an apartment. According to reports, the screams were actually part of a celebration following the New York Knicks’ NBA Finals victory. When officers arrived at the apartment, resident Marie Marseille answered the door accompanied by her 2-year-old dog, Jameson, a 106-pound golden Saint Bernard doodle wearing a Knicks jersey.
The newly released footage captures Jameson barking as officers approached the apartment. During the encounter, one officer can be heard commenting on the dog’s size and saying, “I ain’t gettin’ bit by that, bro,” while holding his firearm. Officers instructed Marseille to secure the dog, and she reportedly told them that Jameson was not aggressive.
Video shows Marseille attempting to keep the dog inside the apartment. However, Jameson eventually stepped into the hallway and barked again. Moments later, an officer fired multiple shots, killing the dog. The footage released by the department was edited and paused shortly after the shooting began.
The incident quickly gained national attention after video of Marseille grieving over her dog’s body went viral on social media. Supporters have rallied behind the family, with an online fundraiser raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to help cover expenses and support their pursuit of justice.
The family’s attorney criticized the officers’ actions, arguing that the encounter escalated unnecessarily. In a statement, the attorney questioned whether deadly force was justified during what was supposed to be a routine welfare check and raised concerns about officer tactics, including the decision to draw a weapon early in the encounter.
Meanwhile, the neighbor who placed the original 911 call has publicly apologized to the family, saying they believed they were acting out of concern for Marseille’s safety and never imagined the situation would end in tragedy.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has called for a thorough review of the incident, while LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell has promised a comprehensive investigation into the shooting. The case remains under review as community members, animal advocates, and civil rights groups continue to demand accountability and transparency.
