Benton Co. sets animal control workshop in response to outcry over deputies killing dogs

Community outrage over Benton County deputies killing two pet rottweilers has led to a special workshop for county commissioners to take a look at potential changes to sheriff’s office and canine shelter response for calls about animals running loose.

They’ll discuss their current protocols and possible improvements to prevent further instances at the meeting set for next Tuesday, April 9.

How the county handles animal control complaints has been a hot topic after recent high profile incidents, which included a pack of pitbulls attacking a mother and her son near Prosser and a woman being killed by loose dogs. The dogs had previously been declared dangerous by the county in both of those instances.

The county paid $1.6 million to settle a claim by the family in the first attack, and the owner of the dogs that killed Billi Cameron is awaiting trial.

Things came to a head recently after deputies responded to reports of three “aggressive dogs” running loose in an unincorporated neighborhood in Kennewick near Hansen Park on Saturday, March 2. No people or other animals were attacked but the dogs were barking and some neighbors were concerned.

Employees with Benton County Canine Shelter did not respond, and the deputies decided the safest course of action was to shoot and kill the dogs. They shot two in an empty field behind homes, and the third ran away. It later returned home and the dog has since been declared a potentially dangerous animal, which can lead to court proceedings to determine the dog’s status.

Since the shooting the sheriff’s office has been inundated with comments on social media and residents have taken to county commission meetings to voice their concern.

At their regular meeting this week, commissioners said they will not likely make a decision at the upcoming workshop, but it will help them determine how to move forward. Potential options include bringing on more animal control staff and no longer having law enforcement respond to animal calls.

Community reacts to dog shooting

After body camera footage of the shooting was released by the owners of the dogs, Tri-Citians began contacting the sheriff’s office, requesting records and leaving comments on social media. Some were particularly upset that a deputy laughed afterward and made comments about making “a good shot.”

At a regularly scheduled commissioners meeting last week, half a dozen community members commented on their disapproval of the killings during the public comment portion. Several stated that while they had generally trusted law enforcement, the rottweilers’ deaths made them wary to rely on the sheriff’s office for help.

Croskrey responded to the speakers, acknowledging the system in place was not working. He offered to speak with each of them, and according to a press release from the sheriff, command staff met with the speakers that day.

“While the actions of the deputies that day adhered to the current policies of the Sheriff’s Office, based on the discussion and the concerns mentioned, we will be reviewing and continuously evaluating our policies and procedures to ensure they align with the best practices and community expectations,” Croskrey’s press release stated.

He also said at that meeting that he would be supportive of changes to animal control that would result in deputies no longer being the primary response to animal calls within the county.

Workshop to address animal response

During the meeting, Croskrey also asked the commissioners to help him address the situation.

“I’d certainly like to work with the commissioners and partner with them and make a better system in place, because what we have now obviously is a failing system, or it’s not working as well as it should be,” Croskrey stated during the meeting.

While discussing funding, staffing, responsibilities and other details, it was decided that a workshop was needed to address the issue. Croskrey’s press release states they are prepared to discuss options to improve resources, and are dedicated to providing the county with public safety.

“The input from the community members is crucial in helping us improve our practices and better serve our community,” Croskrey stated. “I would like to thank the members of the group we met with for their engagement.”

This special meeting has been scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 9 at the Administration Building in Kennewick’s Justice Center campus. Those who cannot attend can also watch the meeting live.

This story was originally published April 3, 2024 at 12:45 PM.