Animal lovers stage protest over shooting of dog by Passaic police

<p>Protesters from five different animal rights groups descended on the NJSPCA headquarters in New Brunswick Tuesday night to get express their outrage over a dog shot and killed by a police officer.</p>

News 12 Staff

Nov 15, 2017, 3:33 AM

Updated 2,366 days ago

Share:

Protesters from five different animal rights groups descended on the NJSPCA headquarters in New Brunswick Tuesday night to get express their outrage over a dog shot and killed by a police officer.
The demonstrators came so they could speak at an NJSPCA meeting that was scheduled and were dismayed to find out that the meeting had been canceled. There was no explanation why it was canceled. A training session with agents was held instead.
"We got word that the meeting was canceled last minute and now all of a sudden there's a training class,” says Deana Spinelli, with the organization Husky House.
Some of the demonstrators tell News 12 New Jersey that they believe the meeting was canceled because NJSPCA officials caught wind of the protest.
The demonstrators are angry about the fatal shooting of a dog named Wildfire. The dog was shot and killed by a Passaic police officer after she got loose form her owner’s yard and began fighting with other dogs in the neighborhood. The incident was caught on the officer’s body camera.
Wildfire was a pit bull-bulldog mix. She belonged to John Timmins, a Bergen County animal control officer. Timmins wants animal cruelty charges filed because Wildfire was lying down when she was shot. 
The Clifton Animal Control officer seen in the police officers’ video also did not attempt to put the dog on a leash. He is also heard telling the officer to use deadly force.
“It's like a suspect running with a gun. He shot at people, he wounded them,” the animal control officer can be heard saying.
"We are also concerned with how officers are trained to handle situations. What has happened to Wildfire is completely uncalled for, says Carla Mohan, with New York Bully Crew.
Timmins has petitioned the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office to take up the case and file cruelty charges. Protestors say that they want the NJSPCA TO step in and hand out punishment.


More from News 12
Airport official: Passenger tried to bring fake grenade through security at Tweed New Haven Airport

Airport official: Passenger tried to bring fake grenade through security at Tweed New Haven Airport

1:33
Afternoon welcomes sunshine and temps pushing 80 degrees to Connecticut

Afternoon welcomes sunshine and temps pushing 80 degrees to Connecticut

0:16
Stamford officials: Turn of River Middle School briefly placed in a shelter-in-place over altercation

Stamford officials: Turn of River Middle School briefly placed in a shelter-in-place over altercation

1:45
Man's 14-month journey walking across America wraps up in New Haven

Man's 14-month journey walking across America wraps up in New Haven

2:22
Officials eye plan to charge for on-street parking in New Canaan to solve parking complaints

Officials eye plan to charge for on-street parking in New Canaan to solve parking complaints

1:58
Residents at Bridgeport's Greene Homes community to be part of planning process for new complex

Residents at Bridgeport's Greene Homes community to be part of planning process for new complex

0:26
Freight train catches fire in Stamford; Metro-North now operating on or close to schedule

Freight train catches fire in Stamford; Metro-North now operating on or close to schedule

Deadline to get a Real ID is May 7, 2025. Here's how to get one in Connecticut.

Deadline to get a Real ID is May 7, 2025. Here's how to get one in Connecticut.

1:43
Garden Guide: These plants repel weeds and are a natural fertilizer!

Garden Guide: These plants repel weeds and are a natural fertilizer!

2:46
8 tips for children walking or bicycling to school

8 tips for children walking or bicycling to school

2:20
Connecticut's workforce celebrates new legislation guaranteeing paid sick time

Connecticut's workforce celebrates new legislation guaranteeing paid sick time

0:32
Police: Man wanted for Torrington bank robbery

Police: Man wanted for Torrington bank robbery

2:23
Stew Leonard’s considers 2nd attempt at bringing store to Orange

Stew Leonard’s considers 2nd attempt at bringing store to Orange

2:21
Stamford man recovers from rare Rocky Mountain spotted fever

Stamford man recovers from rare Rocky Mountain spotted fever

2:43
EXCLUSIVE: Bridgeport truck driver whose flatbed was struck in fiery I-95 crash says he’s grateful to be alive

EXCLUSIVE: Bridgeport truck driver whose flatbed was struck in fiery I-95 crash says he’s grateful to be alive

0:53
Bridgeport plans to restore the Perry Memorial Arch

Bridgeport plans to restore the Perry Memorial Arch

0:30
Little Feat to headline Milford’s 50th Oyster Festival

Little Feat to headline Milford’s 50th Oyster Festival

0:41
US provides $3 million relief funding toward reconstructing Fairfield Avenue Bridge in Norwalk

US provides $3 million relief funding toward reconstructing Fairfield Avenue Bridge in Norwalk

0:42
AT&T lauds nearly $500M investment in network infrastructure across Connecticut

AT&T lauds nearly $500M investment in network infrastructure across Connecticut

0:32
'Be careful when you're on your cellphone'. Bridgeport officials relay safety message following pedestrian accidents

'Be careful when you're on your cellphone'. Bridgeport officials relay safety message following pedestrian accidents