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An internal review by the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office concluded that a deputy acted within department policy when he fatally shot an unleashed dog in Princess Anne, Maryland, on September 22, 2026. Sheriff Ronald Howard released a formal statement addressing growing public concerns regarding the incident.
Key findings and details from the official statement include:
- Initial Call: A deputy responded to Chestnut Circle around 7:30 p.m. following reports that a large dog without a leash or collar aggressively chased a 10-year-old boy into his home.
- Precautionary Advice: Somerset County Dog Control alerted the officer that the animal had a documented history of aggression and recommended staying inside the patrol vehicle until animal control arrived.
- Intervention and Shooting: While waiting, the deputy and a Maryland State Police trooper saw the dog run toward two pedestrians along Somerset Avenue. Both officers exited their vehicles to divert the dog’s attention. When the dog charged directly toward the deputy, he opened fire due to a perceived threat of imminent injury, killing the dog.
- Review Outcomes: Body-camera footage confirmed the deputy’s account of the dog’s rapid movement toward him, though it was inconclusive regarding the dog’s intent. Discrepancies were also noted regarding the initial details given to the deputy about the animal’s prior history.
“We recognize that the loss of this animal is unfortunate, and we sincerely regret the distress this incident has caused those who cared for it,” Sheriff Howard stated, asking that public discussion remain respectful and grounded in facts.
Originally reported by Sean Curtis for WBOC.
