Cop killed dog without provocation, say owners

On February 21 of this year, a San Diego policeman killed a family dog that had not made an aggressive move, says a lawsuit filed November 22 in federal court. Alfredo and Socorro Fuentes are suing the city, the police department, and police officer Robert Meiselmen for trespass, negligence, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

According to the suit, Meiselmen entered the Fuenteses' property near midnight to inquire if the family knew anything about a stolen vehicle belonging to a neighbor. There were "Beware of Dog" signs in the yard. The dog made no aggressive move toward Meiselmen, who shot it, according to the suit. Police allegedly refused to give any help to the Fuenteses while the dog lay dying for two hours.

The family suffered "emotionally, psychologically, and/or physically" from the incident, while the dog suffered "physically, emotionally and/or psychologically," according to the suit, which asks for monetary damages.