Denham Springs Police officer shoots dog after it ‘lunged’ towards him; owner cited

DENHAM SPRINGS, La. (WAFB) - A Denham Springs Police officer shot a dog after it ‘lunged’ towards him on Sunday, November 13, according to officials.

Sgt. Scott Sterling says the officer was leaving his home to go to work around 5:45 p.m. when he saw a pit-bull mix dog running towards him from across the street.

“He (officer) came out of his house, was walking to his unit, and a dog came from across the street. and it was snarling, it was lunging at him,” said Sgt. Sterling.

Sgt. Sterling says the officer shot at the dog four times with his duty weapon, striking the animal three times before it retreated back to a residence in the 2200 block of Carolyn Avenue.

“It’s not the ideal thing. We hate to ever see an officer discharge his weapon, especially at what some people would consider at pet, and it’s just an unfortunate situation,” said Sgt. Sterling.

Police later conducted a follow-up investigation at the residence, because the dog was not on a leash or contained by a fence before charging at the officer.

The dog’s owner, Kadondra Ardoin, was charged with a Denham Springs city ordinance misdemeanor for violation of the “Leash Law” inside the city limits of Denham Springs.

“The owner, I’m not sure if the dog was just out, escaped or what the deal was, but the dog was in no kind of restraint. No pin, no fence, no leash anything,” said Sgt. Sterling.

WAFB spoke with one neighbor who lives nearby who did not want her name released.

“Four shots was excessive, especially with the amount of kids living in this neighborhood. But I don’t put all the blame on the officer. He was protecting himself and I’m ‘Back the Blue’ you know. It’s sad it had to come to that,” said the neighbor.

She says she’s not surprised because she always sees animals running around unleashed in her neighborhood.

“I mean, we have dogs that run around here all the time. I’ve had to find homes for at least 10 dogs, because they’re dumped off here. It’s a cut through neighborhood from Rushing to (Highway) 16. So, there’s no stopping it,” the neighbor said.

Similar leash law rules are in place in East Baton Rouge Parish.

According to the city-parish’s website, dogs must be confined at all times either in the owner’s home or fenced yard or on a leash no longer than 6 feet.

“We’re getting our first little bit of cold weather this year, bring your dogs inside, bring your animals inside and do what you got to do to keep them safe,” said Sgt. Sterling.

The owner transported the dog for medical attention. As of last check, the dog is still awaiting surgery.

The officer was not hurt during the incident and officials say he acted in self defense.

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