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Shaun King sparks Internet hunt for Detroit cop who shot dog dead, as disturbing video goes viral

Animal Hope & Wellness Foundation first shared the video on Instagram and it soon crossed over 111,000 views

A Detroit police officer reportedly shot a dog that posed no threat inside its own fence after he lost control of his own K9, as per a News.com.au report. A disturbing graphic video of the incident has gone viral on Twitter and calls to find out the name of the officer is growing loud on the micro-blogging site. 

Animal Hope & Wellness Foundation first shared the video on Instagram and it soon crossed over 111,000 views. The post reads: "This happened in Detroit, with footage being caught on a home camera system. The video is extremely upsetting - which shows Detroit police shooting a dog in the face and killing him. In the video, the dog is barking through the fence at the policemen and police dogs."

It further says, "The officer draws his gun, as the dog appeared to be latched on to his dog's muzzle or face through the fence. Instead of trying to separate them, he shoots the dog in the head. The officer responsible for the act needs to be held accountable. Please voice your concern and call the precinct and Detroit Mayors office demanding justice." The Instagram post also enlists the contact number to register the complaint: Phone: (313) 267-4600 or (313) 267-4639, Detroit Mayor’s Office Phone: (313) 224-3400.

It was also posted to Twitter with the caption: "WARNING GRAPHIC: Police officer in Detroit shoots a dog in its own yard after losing control of a K9."

Several followers who saw the clip couldn't help but express their disdain. "This makes me sick to my stomach," one comment read and another said, "Had the officers dog but the officer should’ve had it’s k9 under control and not go to the fence." One asked, "Where is the petition?"

Julián Castro, Former United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and former mayor of his native San Antonio, Texas tweeted it saying: "A Detroit police officer shot someone’s dog that posed no threat inside its own fence after he lost control of his own K9. This officer should be held accountable. He should be fired and prosecuted." It soon crossed over 2,500 likes and 4,900 retweets. Sharing it with his followers, Shaun King retweeted it and asked: "What's this officer's name?"

It led to much backlash on the micro-blogging site. "The cop lost control of their dog. Why should another dog have to die for their mistake?" one tweet read and another said, "I hope they sue the whole department and get massive cash for murdering their dog like that for no reason. It’s unacceptable."

"Omg this is horrifying. Absolutely horrifying. I want to know that officers name. Immediate termination and jailing and no fucking cushy retirement. And review all past cases," one tweet read and another said, "I’m disgusted!! Why do cops love to shoot? Is it power? Is it anger? Hold this cop accountable!!"

"People are saying the dog in the fence attacked the police dog. Of course, it did! The officer lost control of his dog and it IS THE OFFICER’S FAULT. On top of that there are much safer and non lethal ways to stop the dog. Fire the officer and lock him up for terrorizing," one Twitter user posted and another said, "This police officer needs to be fired & charged with animal cruelty ASAP. Get him, Shaun!!"

As per the News.com.au report, one commenter who filed a report with Detroit police claims the incident is now under investigation.

While there is no information on the officer's name yet, we will update this space once more details are revealed.