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Dog Owner Reacts To Police Officer Charged In Shooting Death

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (CBS4)- The man who owned the dog that was shot and killed by a Commerce City Police officer is reacting to animal cruelty charges filed against that officer.

"I kind of have mixed emotions over the whole thing," said Gary Branson who owned Chloe the three-year-old pit bull mix. "It's been very emotional, very stressful."

A neighbor captured video of Commerce City Police Officer Robert Price shooting the dog.

That set off a campaign calling for justice for Chloe after witnesses said the video proves the dog was not aggressive with the officer.

The Adams County District Attorney has charged Price with aggravated cruelty to animals, a class six felony.

"This is a tragic event and out thoughts have been and continue to be with the owner during this difficult time," said Commerce City spokeswoman Michelle Halstead.

Price, along with other police and animal control officers responded to the Commerce City neighborhood Nov. 24 on reports of a dog running unattended in the neighborhood.

When officers tried to catch the dog, Chloe, they had trouble. They used a taser and tried a neck harness.

Price then fired five shots, killing Chloe. Price said the pit bull mix was acting aggressively before he shot and killed her.

Price has been placed on administrative leave.

Branson's attorney Jennifer Edwards with the Animal Law Center, said her client is hoping for some kind of justice that begins with the felony charges.

"This is just one step and one step in the right direction but there's still a lot of work to be done in this case," said Edwards.

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