Deadly force should always be a last resort, especially when it results in the loss of a family pet.

In January, a Pennsylvania state trooper fatally shot a family dog during a welfare check at a home in Lock Haven. According to Pennsylvania State Police, the trooper says the dog attacked him multiple times, forcing him to fire his weapon in self-defense. The dog’s family disputes that account, saying the situation escalated unnecessarily and that their pet did not pose a deadly threat. Body camera footage exists, and an internal affairs investigation is now underway.

This petition does not prejudge the outcome of that investigation. But it does raise a serious and broader concern: when police use lethal force against animals, the public deserves clear standards, transparency, and accountability.

For families, pets are not property. They are companions. Losing an animal during a police interaction is traumatic, especially when it happens during a call meant to ensure safety and well-being. Incidents like this erode trust and raise questions about whether all possible alternatives were exhausted before a life was taken.

Law enforcement officers face difficult and unpredictable situations, and their safety matters. At the same time, restraint matters too. Deadly force against animals should be used only when absolutely unavoidable, after de-escalation and nonlethal options have been attempted whenever possible. Clear policies and rigorous review protect both officers and the public.

This petition calls on Pennsylvania State Police leadership and state oversight bodies to ensure that any use of lethal force against animals is thoroughly and independently reviewed. Investigations should examine whether department policies were followed, whether proper training was in place, and whether nonlethal tools or tactics could have prevented the outcome. Findings should be communicated clearly to affected families and the public.

Accountability is not anti-police. It is pro-standards, pro-safety, and pro-trust. Clear rules and meaningful oversight help officers make better decisions under pressure and help communities understand how and why those decisions are made.

We also urge state leaders to evaluate current training and policies related to animal encounters during welfare checks and other calls. Preventing unnecessary harm protects families, pets, and officers alike.

Sign this petition to demand accountability, transparency, and restraint when police use deadly force against animals. Families deserve answers, and communities deserve confidence that lethal force is truly a last resort.