Dog’s Death Prompts Policy Change

The Topeka Police Department says it’s planning changes to policies on how police deal with dogs after an officer recently shot and killed a retired judge’s pet.

A Topeka police officer fatally shot the 26-pound dog in July after it began charging in the backyard of James Macnish, a retired Shawnee County district judge who owned the dog.

The police department also released a video from the officer’s body camera that shows him fatally shooting the dog.

Police Chief James Brown said at a news conference Thursday that the officer’s actions were appropriate, but upcoming changes will recognize that officers have other tools, including pepper spray, to possibly control aggressive animals.

The new rules will also require officers to undergo training in handling dog encounters.

Associated Press information from: The Topeka Capital-Journal