Security Firm to Pay $30,000 in Shooting of Dog : Settlement: Pact is reached between Westec and owners of a German shepherd fatally shot by guard.

A security firm has agreed to pay $30,000 to a family whose German shepherd was shot by a guard at their Laurel Canyon home earlier this year, according to the family’s attorney.

The out-of-court settlement was reached between Westec Security and George and Jackie Rissotto, whose dog, Bud, was shot three times by a Westec guard, attorney Michael Rotsten said.

Bud was a 7-year-old, purebred German shepherd whom neighbors described as friendly and even-tempered. The shooting occurred April 3 while the family was away in Texas. “They’re very upset about the loss of Bud. They had him since he was a puppy,” Rotsten said. The Rissottos “hope to send a message that you can’t get away with shooting an animal without paying for it.”

A guard from Westec, which the Rissottos had hired to provide a security service, was checking the family’s home when he came upon a man returning from walking Bud.

As the security officer talked with the man--later identified as Robert Tuck, an employee at a local pet-sitting service--a second Westec guard arrived and Bud bounded toward him. The first guard then drew his gun and shot the animal three times.

Reports conflict over whether the dog’s actions prompted the shooting. Westec officials said the dog was shot as he jumped up on the second security officer. Tuck disputed the statement, however, saying Bud was merely sniffing the man’s hand.

Westec officials on Tuesday declined to comment on the settlement or the shooting incident, saying they were matters of client confidentiality. “All I can tell you is the issue has been resolved,” said Kris Mills, communications manager for Westec.

The settlement ends months of negotiations between the family, which has since moved to Texas, and the Newport Beach-based security firm.

Although no lawsuit was ever filed by the Rissottos, they originally asked the company only to change several of its policies. After Westec refused to do so, the family accepted the financial settlement, Rotsten said.

“The thing that bothered me the most is that Westec insisted that they didn’t do anything wrong,” Rotsten said.

The Rissottos asked Westec to better screen against employees uncomfortable about dogs, to provide training by a recognized humane-animal-treatment organization on dealing with animals, and to change its policy of confronting animals.