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Protesters gather to rally after Hawthorne police kill man's dog
The protest at Hawthorn Police Department grew throughout the day.
(
Meghan McCarty
)
About 20 people were at the Hawthorne Police Department Saturday morning to protest. Many brought their own pets.
(
Meghan McCarty
)
Leon Rosby, whose dog was shot last week by police, joined the protest.
(
Meghan McCarty
)
As police arrested Leon Rosby, his dog leaped out of Rosby's car window and was ultimately shot by police on Sunday, June 30, 2013.
(
gabriel martinez/YouTube
)
A candle and a letter left at an impromptu memorial at the site where a Hawthorne police officer shot and killed a Rottweiler. A subsequent online video has had millions of views and an intense reaction on social media.
(
Rina Palta/KPCC
)
An impromptu memorial at the site where a Hawthorne police officer shot and killed a Rottweiler. A subsequent online video has had millions of views and an intense reaction on social media.
(
Rina Palta/KPCC
)
The protest at Hawthorn Police Department grew throughout the day.
(
Meghan McCarty
)
About 20 people were at the Hawthorne Police Department Saturday morning to protest. Many brought their own pets.
(
Meghan McCarty
)
Leon Rosby, whose dog was shot last week by police, joined the protest.
(
Meghan McCarty
)
As police arrested Leon Rosby, his dog leaped out of Rosby's car window and was ultimately shot by police on Sunday, June 30, 2013.
(
gabriel martinez/YouTube
)
A candle and a letter left at an impromptu memorial at the site where a Hawthorne police officer shot and killed a Rottweiler. A subsequent online video has had millions of views and an intense reaction on social media.
(
Rina Palta/KPCC
)
An impromptu memorial at the site where a Hawthorne police officer shot and killed a Rottweiler. A subsequent online video has had millions of views and an intense reaction on social media.
(
Rina Palta/KPCC
)
A few dozen people protested in front of the Hawthorne Police Department Saturday after a Rottweiler was fatally shot by police last week. The graphic video showing the incident has attracted 4.5 million views on YouTube, resulting in cyber threats, according to the department.
Included in the crowd was Leon Rosby, whose 2-year-old Rottweiler, Max, was shot. He showed up with his two kids Mykel and Joshua, 13 and 12 respectively.
"I wanted to let the protesters know that we really appreciate their love and support for Max and I. It's awesome to see this," he said. "It kind of helps the healing for me because it lets me know that we were loved."
Rosby said he'd like to see a full investigation of the incident including a review of officers.
"I want justice to be served. For the officer that shot Max, I want an investigation to take place. None of this should have happened. It's like a nightmare to me," he said.
Protesters, who held signs with messages such as "Justice for Max" and "Max we love you," asked that the officer who shot the dog be dismissed, and that the department be trained on dealing with animals.
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RELATED: Were Hawthorne police justified in killing man's dog during arrest? (video)
Protester Andre Harrington, who is a former LA County Safety police officer and dog owner, said "[Police] should train these officers in how to be better-suited in using non-lethal weapons on animals. There's so many things these officers could have done prior to using lethal force."
Harrington suggested tazers, calling animal control or simply requesting the owner put the animal back in the car.
Sgt. Joe Romero said the department is open to implementing a training program, adding that a full investigation is underway. The department has a training program for police canine but no protocol for dealing with other dogs.
"You always learn from history and this is one incident that's at the forefront and we will definitely review all the practices that took place that day and we will try to implement and evaluate what are the best practices," said Romero.
Romero said police officers have been transferred to desk duty for safety reasons.
RELATED: Southern California police officer shoots, kills dog during arrest
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Hawthorne police told KPCC that the department is collaborating with federal agencies and Internet security specialists as they beef up firewalls and evaluate threats to its officers and police station.
This story has been updated.
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You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
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