On Thursday, Dec. 4, at about 7 p.m., while attempting to serve papers on a Waldorf home to an individual that no longer resides at the current residence, a Charles County Deputy shot and critically wounded the family dog.

According to the Shabani family as originally reported on WRC TV, the family dog was initially placed inside the home at the deputies’ request while they were talking. The resident at the home informed the deputies that the person they were looking for no longer resided at the St. Peter’s Church Road home. During that discussion, a two-year old pushed open the door and Dixie, a two-year-old Sheep dog of mixed breed ran from the house.

According to the deputy, the dog charged him and he felt threatened and was forced to shoot in self defense. Family members dispute the intentions of the dog, stating that the dog was shot through the back and the bullet exited its stomach, which would not have occurred had the dog been charging as stated by the deputies on the scene.

Dixie was rushed to a veterinary hospital, but the family decided to put the dog down because they could not afford the price of the surgery required to try to repair the gun shot wounds.

In an official statement to the media, Charles County Sheriff’s spokesperson, Diane Richardson made the following statement about the incident:
 “When our officers arrived at the home, they asked the owner to secure the dog inside, which she did. The officers took extra care to conduct their police business outside the home. It is unfortunate that the accidental release of the dog, when a child opened the door, resulted in a situation where an officer felt his safety was threatened."

While the Shabani’s maintain the dog was not attacking the deputies, neighbors think it is entirely possible. One citizen, who chooses to remain anonymous, stated that the dog has been in her yard on numerous occasions and has growled at her family members when approached by the animal.

Another acquaintance, also choosing to remain anonymous, stated that the dog has chased her back to her car as she approached the home on more than one occasion.

According to the Chief of Animal Services for Charles County, Ed Tucker, "We have been out to the residence twice in the last six months, in reference to compliance of county and state regulations."

Is it tragic that a dog was shot? Yes. Is the dog as benign and friendly as the family maintains? Apparently not. This incident remains under investigation at this time.