When it’s just a serf shooting the dog, they say this:
“If his life had been threatened or even minimally in danger, it might have been justified,” (Detective Sgt. Timothy) Woodworth said. “If this was a 100-pound Rottweiler, you might be able to understand it. But this was a 50-55 pound dog. He could have taken any number of other actions.”
Cops don’t have to justify their behavior, though.
The cops killed their dog, terrorized them and their children. I bet none of them is sure they will live another day for the retribution that is due to them.