A Waimanalo neighborhood turned tense on Friday when a Honolulu police officer opened fire at a dog that was in the middle of attacking a man, according to police. The animal injured the man, who was treated and taken to a hospital. None of the rounds hit the dog, which bolted from the area but was later found nearby.
As reported by KITV, District 4 officers had responded on April 17 to a call about a dangerous dog when one officer fired multiple shots as the animal attacked the man. The station reported that Honolulu police said the dog was not struck and that officers later took it to the Hawaiian Humane Society.
Police response and shelter intake
Under Honolulu Police Department policy, officers handling dangerous dog complaints are required to make every reasonable effort to ensure the animal is no longer a threat to the public. They may contact the Hawaiian Humane Society to impound or take custody of the dog when needed.
The Hawaiian Humane Society runs field operations and an admissions program that covers intake, sheltering and follow up for animals removed from the community. More details on those services are available from the Hawaiian Humane Society.
Public safety guidance
According to KITV, Honolulu police urged residents not to try playing animal control hero. Instead, anyone who spots a dog that appears dangerous should call 911 and keep a safe distance.
The department told the station that officers would secure the area, arrange for impoundment or sheltering if needed, and then let investigators sort out whether the dog's owner should face any citations.
Legal notes
Honolulu police procedure and city code allow officers to cite owners and impound animals when a dog meets the legal definition of a dangerous dog. Officers can issue impoundment notices and submit reports to the Hawaiian Humane Society for follow up, in line with department rules.
According to HPD policy, any prosecutorial decisions will depend on the specific facts of the case and which city ordinances are ultimately cited.
