Family heartbroken after service dog is shot by Oklahoma City Police
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — A metro family is distraught after their service dog was shot by police, they're now heartbroken and hoping he survives.
Bruno, the name of Kama Madrid's two-year-old pit bull, is now hospitalized and fighting for his life after an incident with Oklahoma City police.
"It's been mentally exhausting for myself, and my son doesn't want to let go, he doesn't want to give up on Bruno," Madrid said.
Madrid says OKCPD knocked on her door asking if she had dogs.
"He said, well, we were chasing a fugitive and they were hopping yards and our K-9 unit hit on your yard," Madrid said.
Authorities say while looking for the fugitive, Bruno was shot in the backyard of Madrid's home.
She says Bruno has a severed spine and the bullet remains in his chest.
"We didn't even hear him bark, I heard no gunshot, and that's why I was so surprised," said Madrid.
Madrid has two American pit bull service dogs, two-year-old Bruno and 11-year-old Peanut, who is their other service dog.
Madrid now says she's scrambling to find funds to help keep Bruno alive, and has already paid over $1,000 out of pocket.
"To keep him any longer, to give him the treatment he needed was $1,600 a day," says Madrid.
Oklahoma City Police Department sent a statement to News 4.
One of the more dangerous aspects of police work is there are times when officers must quickly enter backyards when chasing or searching for dangerous fugitives. No police officer wants to shoot a dog, especially someone's beloved family pet.
Oklahoma City Police Department
Madrid said police have been helpful, it's just the financial side of things.
She understands the incident wasn't intentional but is overwhelmed with the process of getting reimbursed. She's now facing paperwork and appeals to the city while hoping for Bruno's full recovery.
The surgical operation must be paid up front.
Madrid is hoping to get donations for the surgery. If you'd like to help, she's asking for you to send any funds to her CashApp. Her username is $KayShay1