HONOLULU (KHON2) — Loved ones gathered in the Iwilei area to say goodbye to a beloved pet that was shot and killed by a Honolulu police officer.
Pumba, a one-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier, was killed around 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 5, while police were responding to reports of a “loose, aggressive dog” in the area.
According to Honolulu police, while officers were searching, the dog charged at officers, biting one of them in the hand and leg. They said the officer fired several times, killing Pumba.
“It’s not like losing just a dog. It’s like losing a child, you know, like I consider him my grandson in a way,” said Leilani Sanchez-Garcia, Pumba’s owner. “I understand. I really do understand. I still want to understand why four bullets? Why couldn’t they just taze him?”
Sgt. Ling from the Hawaiian Humane Society called the situation tragic and said they never want to see a situation end like this, “especially for a dog that looks very healthy.”
Sanchez-Garcia told KHON2 that she left Pumba with one of her friends because her friend was still living on the street and she knew Pumba would protect her.
“He knows when he sniffs somebody bad or anything like that, so I don’t know what to say,” she said. “I wasn’t here when it happened, but what I can say is whoever let him loose at the time, I’m just shocked.”
“Always keep your dog leashed. Keep it confined and in control at all times when you’re in a public area to keep the dog safe,” Sgt. Ling explained. “That’s what we’re out there for. We don’t want to see situations like this happen.”
Sanchez-Garcia said Pumba was part of a litter from her son’s dog, so she’s had him since he was a puppy.
“I’m not mad. All I can do is just thank them, you know. I just have a little bit of, not hatred, but disappointment in the people around because everyone knew my dog.”
Police said the injured HPD officer was treated and is in good condition. In a statement shared with KHON2, police said, “These decisions are a heavy responsibility and are never taken lightly by officers.”
The Hawaiian Humane Society has taken Pumba to be examined. Meanwhile, HPD said an active investigation remains ongoing, and further updates will be shared as they become available.