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Cleburne Mayor Taking Dog Shooting Seriously

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CLEBURNE (CBSDFW.COM) - Cleburne Mayor Scott Cain is addressing new concerns about a police officer who is under investigation for the August shooting death of a dog. Video from the officer's body camera recently surfaced, and it shows him taking aim and firing at the pit bull three times, killing the animal.

The disturbing video has caused some outrage within the community. The officer has even started receiving death threats on social media, though police have not released his name.

Investigators explained that the officer was called to the scene at Lindsey Lane after two women complained about being trapped in their car by a pack of three snarling dogs. The officer said that one of the dogs became aggressive. That is what caused him to open fire on the pit bull.

The dogs belonged to a neighbor and were loose when the officer arrived.

At a news conference on Tuesday morning, Cain assured the public that the city is taking the situation seriously. Cain stated that he is expanding a review of the shooting and looking at police policy when it comes to handling aggressive animals. The Texas Rangers are also conducting their own investigation into the incident.

The officer is now on paid administrative leave.

"The video is very disturbing," Cain said. "I have a dog that I love as a family pet and it's a very emotional decision. But we need to ensure that the process is fair both to the officer, and that all of our citizens and all across North Texas and the country know that we're going to get to the bottom of the situation and we're going to be fair in doing that."

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