A Rottweiler met a tragic end on Sunday afternoon at Rancho San Rafael Park in Reno, as a conflict with a Shih Tzu led to fatal consequences, according to officials.
Washoe County sheriff’s deputies and Reno police swiftly responded to a distress call just after 1 p.m. Sunday at the off-leash dog area within the park. Three animal services officers were promptly dispatched to provide assistance.
Reports from animal services indicated that the incident unfolded when an unleashed Shih Tzu approached a Rottweiler being walked on a leash by its owner, sparking a sudden altercation between the two dogs.
“The owner of the Shih Tzu reports that he attempted to break up the fight and was bitten by the other dog in the process,” stated animal services in a news release. “The owner of the Shih Tzu shot the Rottweiler four times with a Glock 26.”
Tragically, the Rottweiler succumbed to its injuries before the arrival of animal services officers, while the Shih Tzu sustained injuries. However, as of Monday, the Shih Tzu’s condition was described as stable.
Responding to inquiries from the Reno Gazette Journal (RGJ), the sheriff’s office confirmed that it had compiled an incident report and concluded that no criminal activity had transpired.
“While county code does prohibit the discharge of any weapon in a county park, there is an exception to any person lawfully discharging a firearm in protection of life or property,” stated a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office.
Animal services indicated that there was insufficient evidence to press charges against either dog owner for animal-related offenses. However, they underscored that if additional evidence emerges aligning with animal cruelty statutes under Nevada law, the matter would be reassessed.
Despite emphasizing the importance of dogs being socialized and under their owner’s control at all times, whether on or off leash, animal services acknowledged that when citizens utilize off-leash and dog park areas, a certain level of inherent risk is presumed.
