ALC Press Release

Denver, COLO – In a “freak second” Rocky, a three year old yellow lab, got out of his house on Monday afternoon, says owner Sally Sutherby. He and his companion Angel, a Chihuahua-poodle mix, set out to explore the neighborhood around 40th and Pecos.

In a matter of minutes, Rocky was dead; shot twice, once in his back and once in the back of his head, by Police. According to a witness, the dog was running scared, away from the officer giving chase.

The family is left with no answers and the grief of losing a pet. “They’re just like your kids” says Sally Sutherby, who refers to herself as Rocky’s grandmother.

There have been conflicting statements from the police as to what exactly happened and the family is seeking clarification. Why did the police shoot an animal that was fleeing for its life according to the eye witness, Seferino Quintana? Why did they have to shoot a pet that was loving and affectionate, according to the family?

A fundraiser is being held today at 1pm at 1740 W. 40th Ave. They hope to raise awareness of the situation and make police more accountable in dealings with family pets.

The family has retained the counsel of Jennifer Reba Edwards-Thomaidis of the Animal Law Center. According to Jennifer, “Cases of this type of police brutality towards family pets are becoming epidemic and not just limited to Colorado. The Animal Law Center is committed to putting an end to this extreme police misconduct on a national level.”