San Antonio, Texas, December 16, 2025
A San Antonio police officer shot an aggressive dog in self-defense during a routine traffic stop. The incident, which left the dog injured, is under investigation by the police department. The officer, who was off-duty, remains unharmed, while the dog’s owner received a citation for allowing their pet to roam unrestrained. Community concerns about pet ownership and police-animal interactions have been raised, highlighting the need for responsible pet management.
San Antonio Police Officer Shoots Dog in Self-Defense
San Antonio, Texas – A San Antonio police officer shot and injured a dog after the animal charged at him during a routine traffic stop on the city’s South Side. The officer, who was off-duty at the time, was unharmed in the incident.
Incident Details
On Sunday afternoon, the officer was conducting a traffic stop in the 7200 block of South PanAm Expressway. As he approached the vehicle, a dog from a nearby residence ran toward him aggressively. Fearing for his safety, the officer drew his firearm and fired, striking the dog. The animal was transported to a local veterinary clinic for treatment. The dog’s owner was cited for having an unrestrained animal.
Investigation and Response
The San Antonio Police Department’s Shooting Team and Internal Affairs Unit are investigating the incident to ensure proper protocol was followed. The officer has been placed on administrative duty pending the outcome of the investigation. The department emphasized its commitment to thorough and impartial reviews of all such incidents.
Background Context
Encounters between law enforcement and animals can be unpredictable and potentially dangerous. Officers are trained to assess threats and respond accordingly to ensure their safety and the safety of the public. In this case, the officer’s decision to use force was based on the immediate threat posed by the charging dog.
Community Impact
Residents in the area have expressed concern over the incident, highlighting the importance of responsible pet ownership and the need for clear communication between the public and law enforcement. The San Antonio Police Department encourages pet owners to keep their animals under control to prevent such occurrences.
Related Incidents
Similar incidents have occurred in the San Antonio area, underscoring the challenges law enforcement faces when interacting with animals. In September 2024, an off-duty SAPD officer fatally shot his own K-9 while attempting to stop an attack by a neighbor’s dogs. The officer fired multiple shots at the attacking canines, inadvertently striking his own K-9, which later died from its injuries. The neighbor was cited for several violations, and the officer was placed on administrative duty pending an investigation.
In another incident in October 2024, a San Antonio police officer fatally shot two dogs owned by a family after they charged at him during a welfare check. The officer, who feared for his safety, fired multiple shots, killing both dogs. The family was cited for having unrestrained animals, and the officer was placed on administrative leave pending an investigation.
Conclusion
The San Antonio Police Department continues to review its policies and training related to interactions with animals to ensure the safety of both officers and the community. The department remains committed to transparency and accountability in all its operations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened during the incident involving the San Antonio police officer and the dog?
On Sunday afternoon, an off-duty San Antonio police officer was conducting a traffic stop in the 7200 block of South PanAm Expressway. As he approached the vehicle, a dog from a nearby residence charged at him. Fearing for his safety, the officer drew his firearm and fired, striking the dog. The animal was transported to a local veterinary clinic for treatment, and the dog’s owner was cited for having an unrestrained animal.
What is the San Antonio Police Department doing in response to the incident?
The San Antonio Police Department’s Shooting Team and Internal Affairs Unit are investigating the incident to ensure proper protocol was followed. The officer involved has been placed on administrative duty pending the outcome of the investigation. The department emphasized its commitment to thorough and impartial reviews of all such incidents.
Have there been similar incidents in the San Antonio area?
Yes, similar incidents have occurred in the San Antonio area. In September 2024, an off-duty SAPD officer fatally shot his own K-9 while attempting to stop an attack by a neighbor’s dogs. In October 2024, a San Antonio police officer fatally shot two dogs owned by a family after they charged at him during a welfare check. In both cases, the officers were placed on administrative duty pending investigations, and the dog owners were cited for having unrestrained animals.
What is the San Antonio Police Department’s policy regarding interactions with animals?
The San Antonio Police Department is committed to ensuring the safety of both officers and the community during interactions with animals. The department is reviewing its policies and training related to such interactions to prevent future incidents and to ensure that officers respond appropriately to potential threats posed by animals.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 7200 block of South PanAm Expressway, San Antonio, Texas |
| Involved Parties | Off-duty San Antonio police officer, unrestrained dog, dog’s owner |
| Incident Details | Dog charged at officer during traffic stop; officer fired weapon, injuring the dog |
| Investigation | San Antonio Police Department’s Shooting Team and Internal Affairs Unit conducting investigation; officer placed on administrative duty |
| Outcome | Dog transported to veterinary clinic; owner’s citation for unrestrained animal |
Now Happening on X
- @KENS5 (December 15, 2025, 4:00 AM) A dispute over unauthorized vehicle use escalated into a violent altercation in San Antonio, leaving a man injured and hospitalized. View on X
- @ExpressNews (December 13, 2025, 5:30 PM) A San Antonio man was arrested and accused of placing pipe bombs at ATMs, raising concerns about public safety in the area. View on X
- @BexarBrief (December 14, 2025, 3:02 AM) San Antonio is experiencing a rise in holiday domestic violence cases, with two people dead in recent shootings, highlighting ongoing public safety challenges. View on X
- @BexarBrief (December 12, 2025, 1:40 AM) A man was hospitalized and a suspect remains at large after a shooting in west San Antonio, prompting calls for community vigilance. View on X
- @News4SA (December 9, 2025, 11:18 PM) A suspect allegedly opened fire on a deputy constable serving an eviction notice in San Antonio, leading to a standoff with police and underscoring risks to law enforcement. View on X
- @HealthMav (December 13, 2025, 1:27 PM) Shocking footage reveals a jugging crime wave in San Antonio with over 200 cases reported, warning residents about risks at ATMs and banks. View on X
- @ExpressNews (December 11, 2025, 12:15 AM) Holiday mall trips in San Antonio are seeing a spike in car break-ins, alongside rumors about a college student’s death and NEISD facing a corrective action plan. View on X
- @ferozwala (December 10, 2025, 12:37 AM) A SWAT standoff in San Antonio involved shots fired and the killing of a teenager in an early-morning shooting, with emergency services on scene. View on X
- @tparon (December 9, 2025, 11:44 PM) A barricaded man in a San Antonio apartment building shot at the SWAT team, with helicopters, drones, and emergency vehicles on site during negotiations. View on X
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Former San Antonio City Staffer Arrested for Alleged Threats
BCSO and SAPD Pursue Suspect in Stolen Vehicle Incident
San Antonio Spurs Fans Prepare for NBA Cup Finals Showdown
Credit Card Skimmers Found at Local Gas Station in San Antonio
Erik Cantu Arrested Amid Ongoing Legal Troubles in San Antonio
San Antonio VFW Post 76 Burglarized Again
Shooting Leaves Man Injured in San Antonio
NCAA Women’s Volleyball Championship Set for Kansas City
San Antonio Hosts Blood Donation Drive to Support College Bowl Games
Pedestrian Seriously Injured in San Antonio Collision
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
