Police Officer Shoots Attacking Dog‏ in Salem

"As the dog was advancing towards Officer Cooney, snarling and baring its teeth, Officer Cooney found himself backed into a situation where he could retreat no further, and he had no choice but to shoot the dog as it began to lunge at him." - Salem Police Lt. Dave Okada

(SALEM, Ore.) - A report of two vicious dogs running loose sent police officers to 1178 7th St NW today at about 12:15 PM. Salem Police Lt. Dave Okada reports that at least one of the dogs had already bitten a person and they were continuing to act aggressively.

"As the victim was on the phone with the police, the dogs were continuing to run about the area and were acting aggressively towards other people as well."

He says Officer Vance Cooney arrived in the area and located the dogs behind an apartment building at 1178 7th St NW.

"The dogs were outside of Officer Cooney's vehicle and were barking at him as he awaited the arrival of other officers with canine containment equipment," Okada said.

"Before other officers could arrive on the scene, Officer Cooney noticed a young girl walking down an alley directly towards where the dogs were still barking and trying to get at him."

Okada says the dogs appeared to notice the young girl, and began to run in her direction as they continued to bark viciously. "Officer Cooney, fearing the dogs were going to attack the young girl, got out of his vehicle and yelled at the girl to warn her about the dogs as well as to divert the attention of the dogs back to him."

"When he yelled, the larger and clearly more aggressive of the two dogs, turned towards him and began to charge at him. As the dog was advancing towards Officer Cooney, snarling and baring its teeth, Officer Cooney found himself backed into a situation where he could retreat no further, and he had no choice but to shoot the dog as it began to lunge at him."

Okada says officer Cooney struck the dog with one shot from his handgun at a distance of less than two feet. The dog stopped its advance at that time and the other dog ran off. The dog that was shot was transported to the Humane Society where it was later euthanized.

The dog that ran off is described as a smaller white dog, possibly a pit bull mix, police said. It had a small chain dangling from its neck area as if it had broken free from being tied up. Officer Cooney reportedly described this dog as clearly the "less aggressive of the two" and appeared to be following along with the other dog during the incident.

At this time the owners of the dogs are unknown. Okada says the initial dog bite victim suffered minor injuries. The Salem Police Department requests assistance from the public in locating the dog that ran off as well as the owner or owners of the dogs. Anybody with information is asked to call the Salem Police Department at 503-588-6123.

Salem-News.com Top Stories

2025: Hope for the Best, Prepare for the Worst

Two Wars with No Way Out

No One Owns the Future

The Ugly Origins of Trump's America First Policy

A One-State Solution Could Transform the World

Comments Leave a comment on this story.

All comments and messages are approved by people and self promotional links or unacceptable comments are denied.

geebz February 12, 2009 4:45 am (Pacific time)

It's funny. I just reported a vicious German Shepherd lose in my area (NE) and was told to wait until animal control opened. I guess in Salem, it's all about where you live and how much you have.

Jen October 14, 2007 1:40 pm (Pacific time)

dfpeer, you are an idiot. As a personal friend of Officer Cooney, I can tell you that this is not something he enjoyed doing, but it had to be done. Do you have any idea how much damage a dog on the attack can do? The owners need to be located and charged for allowing the dogs to run at large and for keeping a vicious animal. Then they can pay for the medical care needed by the original dog bite victim!!! Grow up!

Lzypersonh8r October 13, 2007 1:35 pm (Pacific time)

"dfpeer" you need to be aborted. People like you with your bs responses and beliefs on things like this are why I have dogs barking incessantly around me all night long, and why every other time I go for walks I have near bitten experiences with someones loose or under-controlled dog. I started packing when I walk which i never thought I'd have to do. I thought that was one time I could leave it at home for gods sake. I get a dog doing that crap to me I'll put it down too. I don't blame the officer one bit, he did the right thing without any doubt. Even a TINY chance that an out of control dog is going to bite, it needs to be put down. Sorry dude, but I will always prefer the life of a human child be saved than a dog. Too bad you apparently don't see things that way. I guess we will read about you being involved in the next animal rights event. You know, the one for extremists who believe animals are more important than humans. I like my dead cow rare.

Neal Feldman October 13, 2007 6:26 am (Pacific time)

Hello!! - Thank you. I, too, noticed the absolute absence of any credible coherent and cogent response in dfpeer's ad hominem attack. I might have reasons to seek professional help in a variety of contexts... for example I employed professional help to refit my bedroom doors after new carpets were installed. I am curious what it is about my response that he issued his ad hominem attack towards that in his (her?) mind support his (her?) suggested remedy. I seriously doubt we will ever ger a satisfactory response from dfpeer, but I will lose no sleep over it. Ah well...

R October 12, 2007 8:33 pm (Pacific time)

Think about it. The officer wanted to be able to go home in one piece after his shift and the last thing he wanted to see as he put his head on his pillow and closed his eyes is that dog mangling a small child. Human life or dog life...it's not that hard. And if it was your dog then learn a lesson and keep better controll of your pets!

Hello!! October 12, 2007 4:05 pm (Pacific time)

I am anxious to see dfpeer's answer to Neal's question about the "assigned job". What could that possibly be? I've given up large dogs who weren't vicious and never bit anyone but just would not stay in their nice large fenced yard. You just can't let your pets roam free, even if they aren't a danger. For the one's that are....get a clue! I would have shot the damn dog too. Anyone who thinks they should have been left to their "assigned job" are the ones who need to seek professional help.

Divine Hammer October 12, 2007 12:44 pm (Pacific time)

It looks like the cop's other choices involved watching the dogs eviscerate a schoolgirl or donating some body parts of his own. Those choices seem less than tenable to me.

dfpeer October 12, 2007 11:11 am (Pacific time)

Mr. Feldman, please seek professional help.

Neal Feldman October 12, 2007 10:27 am (Pacific time)

What 'assigned job'? Roaming around attacking anyone they come across? Sorry but if they were pets the owner should be up on multiple charges at the very least. I have lost count of how many large vicious dogs I have seem roaming around, sometimes in packs. And I have seen the mauled and mangled victims of them. If you have a pet you keep it under control. Period. But some folks look at these vicious beasts and just go "Oooooh he such a widdew cutie couldn't hurt a fwy!"... it's nuts. Ah well...

dfpeer October 12, 2007 7:57 am (Pacific time)

Baloney! The dog was doing its assigned job, and the cops were doing what they do best -- killing household pets. "Had no other choice . . ." is the defense for every action. Of course they had other choices, but they were not as attractive, I'm sure.

[Return to Top]

Police Officer Shoots Attacking Dog‏ in Salem

Quick Links

DINING

MUST SEE SALEM

AUCTIONS - APPRAISALS

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

ONLINE SHOPPING

Advertise with Salem-News