Full Breakdown
LAPD Officer Shoots Dog During Welfare Check in Canoga Park
6/20/2026, 11:40:47 PM
Incident Overview
On Saturday night at about 8:55 p.m., LAPD officers answered a 911 call about a woman screaming in a Jordan Avenue, Canoga Park apartment. Inside, 2-year-old Jameson, a 106-lb golden Saint Bernard doodle wearing a Knicks jersey, approached the officers. After owner Marie Marseille said the dog was not aggressive, an officer fired four shots, killing Jameson. The officer’s face was blurred in the video.
Background & Policy Context
LAPD Use-of-Force Directive No. 11 (2023) requires voice commands, pepper spray, fire extinguishers, batons, TASERs or striking the nose/throat before lethal force. Deadly force is permitted only when reasonable to protect an officer or another person from imminent death or serious injury, and not to protect property.
Data & Statistics
Since 2018, LAPD records show 32 dog shootings, dropping from seven that year to one in 2024. A 2005 review documented 465 dogs shot historically, with at least 200 killed and 140 wounded.
Official Statements & Responses
Mayor Karen Bass called the footage “disturbing and tragic,” voiced concern about the use of force, and urged a policy review. Chief Jim McDonnell said the loss of a pet is “deeply personal,” stressed expectations of restraint, and promised a review. LAPD Internal Affairs opened a separate investigation; a use-of-force inquiry may last up to a year.
Criticism & Opposition
Animal-rights groups and community members argue lethal force was pre-determined, citing the officer’s profanity, focus on the dog’s size, and multiple shots after the animal fell. They contend the dog posed no threat and that guidance was inadequate.
On-the-Ground Accounts
The 911 caller later apologized, saying, “I feel responsible for what happened,” and described police knocking as “hostile.” Marie Marseille said, “Next thing I know, he was on the ground.” Her son called Jameson “energetic but not violent.” A GoFundMe for the family has raised nearly $200,000.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
LAPD says Jameson “charged” the officer, prompting fire; video shows the dog moving toward an officer but not clearly charging, and the owner repeatedly said the dog was non-aggressive. The officer’s gun was drawn before the dog emerged, contrary to de-escalation steps. Sources differ on the dog’s breed (Saint Bernard doodle vs. golden retriever-poodle mix) and on the number of shots (four versus the owner’s “twice”).
Implications and Next Steps
The case heightens scrutiny of LAPD dog-encounter policies and may drive legislative or departmental reforms. Mayor Bass and Chief McDonnell have pledged transparent investigations. Internal Affairs and use-of-force reviews will determine accountability and could result in updated training, policy changes, or disciplinary action.
Verbatim Quotes
- “What I saw on the bodycam footage is disturbing and tragic.” — Mayor Karen Bass
- “The loss of a pet is deeply personal.” — Chief Jim McDonnell
- “Next thing I know, he was on the ground,” — Marie Marseille, Owner
- “Jeez, that’s a big ass dog,” — Unnamed LAPD officer (body-cam audio)
