San Mateo Police Kill Dog Attacking Small Dog and Child

San Mateo police killed one dog and injured another after the two dogs, who where believed to be boxers, were reportedly attacking a small dog and child Monday afternoon.

Officers received a frantic 911 call at about 4:20 p.m. reporting two "vicious, boxer-type" dogs were attacking the other dog and child, and threatening people in Laurie Meadows Park, police said.

While the officers responded, adults watching the attack placed themselves between the animals and the children in the park, including a number of kids practicing soccer on a nearby field.

Officers arrived and engaged the dogs, while additional supporting officers cleared community members from the park.

As the officers on scene were awaiting support for alternative means of animal control, the dogs continued behaving in an increasingly threatening manner, creating a dangerous environment toward to the officers and others in the park, according to the Police Department

It became clear to officers on scene that a speedy decision needed to be made for the safety of the community and the officers themselves, police said.

The officers tried to subdue one of the dogs with a Taser, but that option was ineffective and the officers were forced to take lethal action to stop the threat, according to police.

Officers fired upon and struck both dogs. One of the dogs succumbed to its injuries.

The second dog was injured and ran to an area where it could ultimately be safely contained.

San Mateo police coordinated at the scene with the Peninsula Humane Society, which will handle all matters related to the owners of the dogs and the owners’ level of accountability in this incident.

During the incident SMPD Dispatch made a “Rapid Notify” recorded phone alert to neighbors of the park advising them of a loose vicious animal in the area.

"A timely call to the Police Department by a concerned community member followed by a swift Police response almost certainly prevented any serious injuries from occurring to any one of the many people at this park," the Police Department said in a statement.