Protesters rally after police shoot deaf dog

LEWISTON, Idaho — Protesters gathered at a rally in Lewiston Wednesday after a dog was shot by police Monday.

"For them to describe my dog as aggressive really hurts my feelings," said the dog's owner, Corazon HuiHui.

HuiHui said his dog goes by Mr. Chang. HuiHui said he is a deaf bull terrier, and said he has never attacked anyone.

"Mr. Chang… that really shocked me. Because he's not at all aggressive," said HuiHui.

Lewiston officers said the shooting happened Monday morning on Thain Street at Sacajawea Junior High School. The officers said school staff had noticed the dog running at people and cars. A school resource officer called animal control and police responded.

Officers said when they arrived they kept their distance and yelled at the dog to leave, not knowing it was deaf. At one point, the officer said the dog charged at him and he shot him in the hip.

District leaders said a student and an aide were the only two who witnessed the shooting, from 250 feet away outside a portable. The rest of the school was on lockdown.

Police said the officer acted out of personal safety and did not have much time to react.

Police department leaders and school representatives said part of the shooting was caught on security cameras. District leaders said Wednesday they could not be released it yet.

"This dog shouldn't have been shot. There was no reason for this dog to have been shot," said Jane Harrington, a student at Sacajawea Jr. High.

Two dozen people showed up to support Mr. Chang and his recovery process Wednesday. They marched a few blocks along Thain.

"We're here to speak for the animals because they don't necessarily have a voice," said a protester.

A police spokesperson said a taser would not have reached the dog, but pepper spray or a baton would have been alternatives.

"I was in shock over the firearm being used at school," said a protester.

A table was set up to collect donations to support Mr. Chang's recovery. Organizers estimated they raised around a couple hundred dollars Wednesday.

"I've never met these people. I never knew of the support that I had," said HuiHui.

Follow Taylor Viydo on Twitter: @KREMTaylor