The shooting of animals that are not a threat of serious bodily injury to a person has proved to be inherently dangerous to bystanders, as well as Department members. Therefore, Department members shall not use firearms to shoot animals fighting with other animals (e.g., dogs).
If it becomes necessary to destroy an injured animal (euthanasia) by use of a firearm and the conditions are such that there is an extended or inappropriate response time by the animal control agency, authorization to use a firearm on an animal must be obtained from an on-scene supervisor.
Department members may use firearms to employ deadly force when dealing with animals when they reasonably believe, based on the totality of the circumstances, that such force is necessary against an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury to themselves or another person.