Henderson Says Police Handle Animal Calls When Animal Protection Services Is Closed

Henderson police respond to animal-related calls when Animal Protection Services is outside its operating hours, a city spokesperson said, reports KSNV News 3.

The explanation follows the October 2nd shooting of Rocky, an 8-year-old black Lab mix, by a Henderson police officer.

The city did not state the agency’s hours in its statement, but its website lists Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Residents can submit nonemergency animal concerns through the city’s Contact Henderson system.

A spokesperson said officers can ask an Animal Protection Services supervisor for a callout when the situation calls for it and supervisors in both departments approve.

Police confirmed that Animal Protection Services was contacted the night Rocky died.

As we reported earlier, the officer requested Animal Protection Services after arriving around 9:10 p.m. That is well outside the hours listed on the city’s website.

Surveillance video shared with News 3 shows the dogs barking and appearing to chase the officer as he moved around his patrol car.

He fired one round, which killed Rocky, while the family’s other dog, Bear, survived.

Henderson police said the officer repeatedly tried to create distance and used pepper spray before firing.

The department said it cannot comment further because an administrative investigation, which follows any discharge of an officer’s firearm, is ongoing.

The family’s attorney, Carl Arnold, said the video raises questions about whether the officer followed dog-encounter training.

He pointed to the Nevada POST video series, which tells officers not to run from dogs.

We also examined that training, including an expert’s view that agencies should add scenario practice and refreshers.

Henderson Deputy Chief Matt Murnane told News 3 in February that all officers are now required to watch the POST video.

The shooting is not the first to bring scrutiny to the department. Our coverage of the shooting of Bruno, a boxer mix, examined questions about police training oversight.

The department reminded pet owners to keep dogs secured at home and on a leash in public.

Dog owners with questions about animal services in Henderson can use the Contact Henderson system for nonemergency concerns.