Animal lovers stage protest over shooting of dog by Passaic police

<p>Protesters from five different animal rights groups descended on the NJSPCA headquarters in New Brunswick Tuesday night to get express their outrage over a dog shot and killed by a police officer.</p>

News 12 Staff

Nov 15, 2017, 3:33 AM

Updated 2,347 days ago

Share:

Protesters from five different animal rights groups descended on the NJSPCA headquarters in New Brunswick Tuesday night to get express their outrage over a dog shot and killed by a police officer.
The demonstrators came so they could speak at an NJSPCA meeting that was scheduled and were dismayed to find out that the meeting had been canceled. There was no explanation why it was canceled. A training session with agents was held instead.
"We got word that the meeting was canceled last minute and now all of a sudden there's a training class,” says Deana Spinelli, with the organization Husky House.
Some of the demonstrators tell News 12 New Jersey that they believe the meeting was canceled because NJSPCA officials caught wind of the protest.
The demonstrators are angry about the fatal shooting of a dog named Wildfire. The dog was shot and killed by a Passaic police officer after she got loose form her owner’s yard and began fighting with other dogs in the neighborhood. The incident was caught on the officer’s body camera.
Wildfire was a pit bull-bulldog mix. She belonged to John Timmins, a Bergen County animal control officer. Timmins wants animal cruelty charges filed because Wildfire was lying down when she was shot. 
The Clifton Animal Control officer seen in the police officers’ video also did not attempt to put the dog on a leash. He is also heard telling the officer to use deadly force.
“It's like a suspect running with a gun. He shot at people, he wounded them,” the animal control officer can be heard saying.
"We are also concerned with how officers are trained to handle situations. What has happened to Wildfire is completely uncalled for, says Carla Mohan, with New York Bully Crew.
Timmins has petitioned the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office to take up the case and file cruelty charges. Protestors say that they want the NJSPCA TO step in and hand out punishment.


More from News 12
1:46
Authorities: Bronx River Parkway crash leaves 1 person dead, another in critical condition

Authorities: Bronx River Parkway crash leaves 1 person dead, another in critical condition

2:38
Bronx family recalls moments leading up to 19-year-old son's death in Morris Heights

Bronx family recalls moments leading up to 19-year-old son's death in Morris Heights

2:11
Cloudy with unseasonably cool temperatures for NYC; showers return tonight

Cloudy with unseasonably cool temperatures for NYC; showers return tonight

1:39
Have any weekend plans? See what's happening across the Bronx for Earth Day

Have any weekend plans? See what's happening across the Bronx for Earth Day

0:37
Man set on fire after argument with another man in Melrose, NYPD says

Man set on fire after argument with another man in Melrose, NYPD says

0:26
Bronx's Jennifer Lopez honored with Premio Orgullo at Latino benefit event

Bronx's Jennifer Lopez honored with Premio Orgullo at Latino benefit event

1:51
Vendors rally to demand accessible vendor licenses and permits after DSNY crackdowns

Vendors rally to demand accessible vendor licenses and permits after DSNY crackdowns

1:54
Morrisania tenants taking legal stance against building’s management

Morrisania tenants taking legal stance against building’s management

2:11
Bronx Zoo celebrates 125 years of bringing joy to New Yorkers

Bronx Zoo celebrates 125 years of bringing joy to New Yorkers

Is your mom awesome? New York City tell us why your Mom Rocks!

Is your mom awesome? New York City tell us why your Mom Rocks!

0:54
Guide: How to host Passover on a budget

Guide: How to host Passover on a budget

2:04
Bronx River Parkway undergoes construction; prepare for traffic delays

Bronx River Parkway undergoes construction; prepare for traffic delays

1:53
Bronx man hard at work to fight off catalytic converter thieves

Bronx man hard at work to fight off catalytic converter thieves

0:26
NYPD: Man wanted for breaking into Bronx building twice in 10 days

NYPD: Man wanted for breaking into Bronx building twice in 10 days

0:24
Police: Man steals 77-year-old's wallet at Chase Bank in Kingsbridge

Police: Man steals 77-year-old's wallet at Chase Bank in Kingsbridge

0:23
Spring Arrival: Hummingbirds heading to New York

Spring Arrival: Hummingbirds heading to New York

2:19
Denim takes over Bronx Borough Hall for day dedicated to raising sexual assault awareness

Denim takes over Bronx Borough Hall for day dedicated to raising sexual assault awareness

1:34
NYPD says new campaign has lowered crime citywide; some New Yorkers don’t buy it

NYPD says new campaign has lowered crime citywide; some New Yorkers don’t buy it

2:09
Federal civil rights complaint filed against NYC Public Schools Athletic League

Federal civil rights complaint filed against NYC Public Schools Athletic League

2:10
NYS Federation of Taxi Drivers offer $5,000 reward after string of carjackings and robberies

NYS Federation of Taxi Drivers offer $5,000 reward after string of carjackings and robberies