by Baltimore, MD – In a tragic incident Sunday afternoon, a beloved 14-month-old rescue dog named Roscoe was fatally shot by Baltimore police officers responding to a call of aggression in the Mount Vernon neighborhood. The dog’s owner, Kyle Sharp, was also injured by a stray bullet during the confrontation.
The event has sparked concern and discussion regarding the possible causes of Roscoe’s uncharacteristic behavior and the police response to the situation.
Sudden Change in Roscoe’s Behavior
Kyle Sharp recounted that Roscoe “snapped” just days after being neutered, which was completely out of character for the once gentle dog. Roscoe was wearing a cone post-surgery and had been prescribed Trazodone, an anti-anxiety medication.
“He had his cone on because he got neutered last week, and he stood over me and just snapped. His pupils got very big, and it wasn’t him,” Sharp explained.
Roscoe had previously exhibited no signs of aggression and was known for his intelligence and helpful nature, notably assisting Sharp during panic attacks and aiding a friend during a seizure.
Police Response and Incident Details
Police arrived at the home on St. Paul Street around 4:45 p.m. after receiving reports of an aggressive dog biting its owner. Upon arrival, Roscoe ran into the hallway and continued to attack. Two officers fired shots, fatally wounding the dog. A stray bullet hit Sharp in the ankle, who was subsequently treated and released from the hospital the next morning.
- Roscoe was shot and killed by police officers responding to the aggression call.
- Kyle Sharp sustained a gunshot wound to his leg and multiple dog bites.
- The officers involved are currently on leave as per protocol during the ongoing investigation.
“Police did what they were supposed to do, and unfortunately, one stray bullet did hit me in the ankle, but they handled a dog going crazy, I guess the way they would handle any other case,” Sharp said.
Possible Cause: Medication Reaction
Sharp suspects Roscoe’s behavior may have been an adverse reaction to Trazodone, which is sometimes prescribed post-operatively for anxiety. According to veterinary sources like PetMD, rare side effects of this medication can include increased anxiety, agitation, and even aggression.
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“I don’t fault him for the way he acted because it was instinctual to protect himself when he felt endangered or confused,” Sharp said. “He was the sweetest dog. He was very smart.”
Background and Community Impact
Roscoe’s story and his sudden change have highlighted concerns about the effects of medication on pets and the challenges police face when responding to animal incidents. The full context of this story and expert insights are available through the original report on CBS Baltimore.
What Happens Next?
Baltimore police have placed the officers involved on leave as part of their standard procedure while an investigation takes place. The community is left to process the loss of a once-loved dog and reflect on how pet behavior changes post-surgery and medication can have serious consequences.
Key Takeaways:
- Pet owners should monitor their animals closely after surgery and medication changes.
- Police and animal control departments continue to develop protocols for handling aggressive pets safely.
- Understanding medication side effects is crucial for preventing such tragic incidents.
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