Vandalia residents accuse police of shooting pet dogs

VANDALIA — Some pet owners in Vandalia plan to file a formal complaint with the city, alleging police are shooting their dogs without provocation.

Mark Hayden is among those who say they will file a complaint at Tuesday night's Vandalia Board of Aldermen meeting. He says his dog Gembu was shot outside his home for no reason on Feb. 7.

The dog survived but his leg may have to be amputated.

Another dog was shot to death a few days later, again by a police officer who believed the animal was a public threat.

Vandalia Police Chief Raymond Laird stands behind the actions of his officers and says citizens need to be more responsible.