Beverly Hills police chief shoots dog, family demands answers
Owners had to euthanize boxer-pitbull mix after Thursday night incident
BEVERLY HILLS, Texas (KWTX) - A Beverly Hills family is demanding answers from the city’s police department after Chief Kory Martin shot their dog Thursday night.
Owners said they had to euthanize the boxer-pitbull mix Friday morning and are devastated by the loss.
Mark Gearhart said he had his dog, Rebel, for six years before the incident that led to the animal’s death.
“We had to put him down because he was suffering too much,” Gearhart said.
Family’s account of events
Thursday night, Gearhart said he and his wife left to watch a high school football game. While they were out, someone went into his backyard, took the leash off Rebel and the dog got out.
Gearhart said when he returned home, the dog was back in the front yard. Beverly Hills Police Chief Kory Martin eventually arrived at the home with his gun drawn at Rebel.
Gearhart said his dog was barking at Chief Martin, but not aggressively.
“He said I needed to do something with him and before I could say anything, Rebel started barking at him and he shot him,” Gearhart said. “I’m very upset about it.”
Police department’s response
Beverly Hills police have a different account of the events. The department said they have received calls about the dog being vicious in the past and did again Thursday night.
Police said before Chief Martin arrived at the home, he saw the dog being hostile to others in the neighborhood. Officers said Chief Martin tried getting Gearhart’s attention over an intercom but did not get a response.
Assistant Police Chief Stephen Steiner said the dog was about to attack a family of six, so Chief Martin diverted the dog’s attention and Gearhart attempted to get control of the dog.
“That was not able to happen. Because it went after chief Martin, within the foot range he did discharge his firearm one time,” Steiner said.
Calls for policy changes
Gearhart said the department needs to upgrade their policies when handling dogs.
“I’d like to see something where they get more training to deal with dogs. Some other way than just shooting him,” Gearhart said.
Steiner acknowledged the incident was unfortunate but emphasized pet owner responsibility.
“It is an unfortunate event, we just ask pet owners to please be responsible with them. I love my dogs very much, but it comes with a certain responsibility to have them,” Steiner said.
Police said this is an ongoing investigation.
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