German Shepherd puppy shot, killed in Roxborough park

ROXBOROUGH (WPVI) -- A German Shepherd puppy named Porter was shot after he approached two people in a public park on Monday. His owners say their dog was just being friendly, but the shooter says the exact opposite.

It happened at Kelly Park in Philadelphia's Roxborough section.

Police tell Action News the shooter had a permit to carry the weapon. He tells police he was walking his wife to the bus stop around 6:30 a.m. when the German Shepherd chased a ball while playing fetch with his owner.

The shooter told police Porter growled and barked, then lunged at the wife. That's when the man shot the dog once, killing it.

Porter's owners claim the dog was startled, but was roughly twenty feet away from the couple when it was shot.

The owners believe the use of force was excessive and the 11-month-old dog is friendly and not a danger.

Most residents with whom we spoke say the situation presents a tough dilemma.

"It's a tough situation, it really is," said Roxborough resident Chrissy Lacomchek.

We asked Lacomchek if she can see both sides of the situation, to which she said, "Yes, I honestly can ... If I felt threatened, you do anything to protect a loved one. But then also that animal was a loved one to that person."

Police say Philadelphia leash laws are in place to prevent what happened Monday morning. Kelly Park has signs saying all animals must be on a leash, and police say those laws are to protect animals, their owners, and other people.

The SPCA has not been referred the case but says if a person feels there is a clear and imminent risk to bodily harm, he or she can use force for protection.

The case has created strong reactions on Facebook after Porter's owner wrote a post about the loss of her loved one.

Porter's owners did not want to be named for fear of retribution, and attempts to contact the shooter have been unsuccessful.

Police continue to investigate. The district attorney will ultimately decide if any charges are filed.