Police Shooting of Dog Probed

The San Diego Police Department is investigating eyewitness reports charging that a police officer endangered human lives when he shot a dog on a La Jolla beach Monday, police spokesman Bill Robinson said.

The mixed-breed terrier was shot by Officer Craig Kathan, who said the dog growled, barked and charged at him and partner John Johnson, Robinson said.

The dog was hit once and ran off bleeding, Robinson said. The animal was taken to a veterinary clinic, where it was given a lethal injection.

Robinson said the inquiry is being conducted by investigators from the department’s internal affairs division and the police shooting review board. Kathan has been assigned to administrative tasks.

“We interviewed witnesses and we received reports that are conflicting,” Robinson said. “Some people said the officers did the right thing . . . and were justified. Others felt the shooting endangered the lives of citizens.”

When the dog attacked, the two officers were citing the dog’s owner, Deanna Gigliotti, 31, of Pacific Beach, for letting the 50-pound dog run loose on the beach at the foot of Marine Street, Robinson said.

The shooting attracted an angry, boisterous crowd of about 50 people, police said. The tires of a police car were slashed.

Arrested from the crowd was Christopher McRae, 29, for allegedly interfering with the officers and for drunk and disorderly conduct.