The owner of a small Shih Tzu shot and killed a Rottweiler during a dog fight at a Reno park on Sunday afternoon, according to officials.
Washoe County sheriff’s deputies and Reno police responded to a call at Rancho San Rafael Park’s off-leash dog area around 1 p.m. on Sunday. Three animal services officers also arrived at the scene to assist.
According to a news release from animal services, the Shih Tzu, which was off-leash, approached a leashed Rottweiler being walked by its owner, leading to a confrontation between the two dogs.
“The owner of the Shih Tzu reports that he attempted to break up the fight and was bitten by the other dog in the process,” animal services stated. “The owner of the Shih Tzu shot the Rottweiler four times with a Glock 26.”
By the time animal services officers arrived, the Rottweiler was deceased, while the Shih Tzu sustained injuries but was deemed stable as of Monday, according to the news release.
The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office confirmed in an email to the RGJ that it took an incident report and concluded that no crime had been committed.
“While county code does prohibit the discharge of any weapon in a county park, there is an exception to any person lawfully discharging a firearm in protection of life or property,” a spokesperson stated.
Animal services noted that there was insufficient evidence to charge either owner with animal-related offenses at the time of the incident.
“If additional evidence surfaces that meets the animal cruelty statutes under (Nevada law), it will be reconsidered,” the agency added.
While emphasizing the importance of socializing dogs and keeping them under control, whether on or off-leash, animal services acknowledged that using off-leash and dog park areas carries a level of inherent risk.
