Newly released video footage captures the moment a police marksman used a shotgun to shoot an XL Bully three times. The officer, identified as A35, is shown aiming and firing at the dog named Ghost. The video cuts off before the fatal shot was delivered with a pistol.
Ghost, a three-year-old dog weighing nine stone, was shot on December 7 last year in response to two emergency calls reporting a dangerous dog on the loose in Hillsborough, Sheffield. The dog had reportedly bitten one woman and acted aggressively towards another.
The XL Bully charged at officers upon their arrival, with no owner present, leading to shots being fired to protect the public. Sheffield Magistrates’ Court was informed that the officers followed orders to shoot the dog based on its previous attacks.
Following the incident, owner Sophie Zaherali, 31, shared images online in an attempt to identify the firearms officer involved, resulting in her being charged with a malicious communications offense. District Judge Tim Spruce found Zaherali guilty of owning a dangerously out-of-control dog after a three-hour trial.
Zaherali, also convicted of malicious communications against the police officer who shot her dog, faced additional charges related to allowing a fighting dog in public without proper control. However, these charges were dropped.
South Yorkshire Police’s Firearms Inspector Steve Usher emphasized the responsibility of dog owners for their pets’ actions, highlighting the priority of public safety. The force stated that the decision to shoot a dog is never taken lightly, with officers prioritizing community and officer safety.
Zaherali is scheduled for sentencing at the same court on December 16.
