ELLENSBURG – A dog was shot and killed by Ellensburg police officers in the early morning hours Sunday.

The officers were called to the 1900 block of North Chestnut Street for a dispute and fight.

“They were investigating a dispute/fight call and during the course of their investigation it was revealed that allegedly a dog was used in commission of the assault,” Ellensburg Police Department Capt. Dan Hansberry said.

Whether or not the pit bull mix was actually used in the assault is still under investigation. The dog owner claimed the dog was not used in the assault, while a witness claimed that it was.

Officers asked to see the dog, as long as the owner could control it and keep it on a leash.

According to Hansberry, once the dog was brought out, it began lunging toward the officers. The officers asked the owner to take it back inside.

Hansberry said the owner tried to get the dog inside, but it slipped out of its collar and charged after one of the officers.

Hansberry said the officer began backing away from the dog, who was “clearly attempting to attack the officer.”

The officer shot at the dog once and missed. Hansberry said it is believed the officer was aiming toward the ground as the dog charged.

Hansberry said the dog then turned after the first shot and went after the second officer “in the same attack mode.”

The second officer shot three times, resulting in the death of the dog.

“As there is in most incidents like this, there is differing opinions to what occurred,” Hansberry said. “But from the officer’s reports, they had no other option at the time but to use deadly force to stop the dog unfortunately.”

The deceased dog was taken to the animal control center.Arrangements have been made for the owner to pick up his pet, where he will be able to bury or cremate the dog.  

“Whenever an owner loses a pet, it’s very upsetting, especially in a situation like that,” Hansberry said. “(The owner) wished that this didn’t happen, but he has told us that he understands why the officers did what they did.”

There were no previous problems with the pit bull mix. The dog was licensed in Spokane.

Officers were required to fill out a report following the incident. A detective was called on scene to collect evidence and conduct interviews. Hansberry said an internal review was also conducted.

Hansberry was unable to find the date of the last time an officer had to use deadly force in Ellensburg, but did recall that it also involved the shooting of a dog that was attacking an officer.