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Family Upset With Officer Who Shot Their Dog

ERIE, Colo. (CBS4) - The Boulder district attorney is investigating the death of a dog killed by a police officer.

The officer, Jamie Chester, was responding to a call at a home in Erie. He reportedly felt threatened by the Germen shepherd. The dog's owner and a neighbor witnessed the shooting. They say the dog didn't do anything wrong.

"I keep reliving the sound that she made when he shot her and then Ivy, our golden retriever, went and was trying to help her up," Ava's owner Brittany Moore said.

"I remember that her tail was wagging as she walked towards the officer," neighbor Andy feero said.

Moore believes Chester panicked, giving no warning before he fired, killing Ava.

"He saw the dogs and turned around, put his hand on his gun and started backing up and that's when I said, 'Ava nein,' and she turned and he got down and shot her." Moore said.

Chester is also the owner of two German shepherds.

The Boulder County District Attorney's Office will decide if any criminal charges should be filed.

The Erie Police Department is conducting an internal investigation.

Erie police say Chester shot and killed another dog in 2007 when it mauled a little boy.

Ava's family has put together a Facebook page called Justice For Ava to raise support for their cause.

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