New Jersey police officer responds to wrong address, fatally shoots dog

WYCKOFF, N.J. (WPVI) -- Authorities are investigating after a police officer responded to a report of a burglary in New Jersey and apparently shot a pet dog after going to the wrong address.

Wyckoff police received a report of a possible break-in at 621 Lawlins Road on Wednesday, but Police Chief Benjamin Fox says Officer Kyle Ferreira erroneously went to 622 Lawlins.

Fox said that no one answered the front door, so Ferreira entered the backyard through an unlocked fence gate and spotted an open window. Fox says he drew his revolver and approached, and a growling German shepherd lunged out the window, bit the officer's foot and latched on.

The chief says the officer fired his gun four times, striking the dog twice.

Wyckoff Animal control took the dog to an animal hospital for treatment, but the pet did not survive.

The investigation determined that the window to the home was left open as a type of door to allow the dog to let itself in and out of the home.

Nobody was at home at the time of the incident, and the homeowners were subsequently notified.

The officer did not sustain any injury.

The investigation is ongoing.