BURGAW — Pender Sheriff Alan Cutler defended the actions of a deputy who shot a Burgaw man’s dog more than a week ago, saying the dog was aggressively advancing toward the deputy and had exhibited such behavior in the past.
At least three deputies responded to a welfare call on the man, Bruce Benson, who had failed to attend a scheduled church work day event on Saturday morning, August 15, according to Cutler. He said multiple attempts to contact Benson in the 24 hours before the event were unsuccessful.
The dog, a Dutch Shepard and Belgian Malinois mix, ran out of the house after Benson opened the door, then aggressively advanced on two assisting officers, according to Cutler. He said one deputy jumped in the bed of a pickup truck, causing the dog to turn towards the third deputy “who attempted to retreat and look for protection from the dog.”
READ MORE: Burgaw man distraught, angry after Pender deputy shoots and kills his dog
“The dog continued to advance aggressively toward the deputy while growling and showing his teeth. The deputy pulled his sidearm and discharged one round, stopping the dog approximately one foot from the deputy,” according to the sheriff.
He then repeated last week’s statement that his office’s policy and procedures handbook justifies the killing of an animal for self-defense or to prevent harm to the deputy or another person.
“This is a very unfortunate situation that has understandably impacted Mr. Benson, the deputies who were there, and has caused a lot of concern within our community,” Cutler said.
He said the week-long investigation into the incident revealed the dog’s breed is by nature “very protective of his home turf and protective of his owner.”
“Neighbors indicated that the dog could be aggressive with newcomers to the property with whom the dog was not familiar,” Cutler said. “At least one neighbor had reported a past instance where the dog ran toward children in the neighborhood in an aggressive manner.”
Although he said he hated the way the incident unfolded, he was confident in his deputy’s action, one that was “necessary to protect himself from imminent harm.” He also asked residents to secure their pets if any type of first responder approaches their homes, to help reduce the chance of a fatal shooting.
Benson emailed Port City Daily last week, saying he was a disabled veteran and that the dog, named Astro, was his “best bud.” Attempts to call the number Benson provided were unsuccessful.
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