Police Officer Fatally Shot Young Retriever In Front Of Her Horrified Family

Published: July 10, 2023 at 10:00 PM Author: Penny Eims

Lorain, OH – On July 2, a young Labrador retriever mix named Dixie was fatally shot by a Lorain Police Officer; the shooting happened in front of her horrified family. According to reports, the Kerns family dogs were running loose after getting spooked by fireworks.

When a police officer showed up, the family assumed that he was there to help them contain their dogs – but that did not happen. Instead, Dixie was repeatedly shot and killed in front of her shocked family, and their neighbors.

The man responsible for Dixie’s death is Officer Elliot Palmer; witnesses claim that Palmer called the dog over to him before drawing his weapon and firing multiple times at Dixie.

Mellenie Kerns, Dixie’s owner, wants to see the officer who took Dixie’s life punished, and removed from his position. Kerns told KGET News:

“I want his weapon removed, I want his K9 removed. He is not safe around animals or children.”

Body cam video footage shows Dixie running in the officer’s direction and captures the shots fired as she runs away.

Warning: The Video Is Difficult To Watch

Dixie did not die immediately – she was injured and Officer Palmer fired several more times until she drew her final breath.

Mellanie’s mother, Tammie, said that the officer was told by neighbors that the dogs were harmless. She told KGET, “He should’ve listened to the neighbors. They said, ‘They’re harmless, don’t shoot.”

The police department is investigating the matter and Officer Palmer is on administrative leave. If you are appalled by this seemingly senseless shooting, please add your name to the petition as Animal Victory fights for justice on this dog’s behalf.

Video on Facebook at this link.

We the undersigned demand that Officer Palmer is held responsible for repeatedly shooting Dixie. It is reprehensible that this police officer did not attempt to help secure the Kerns’ family dogs – choosing instead to kill one. We, and our supporters, want to see this officer removed from the police force and charged for senselessly killing Dixie.

Individuals are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law. Animal Victory relies upon the authorities and the court system to determine guilt or innocence.

News

KGET

WKYC

Morning Journal

Update 7.19.2023: Animal Victory sent cover letter and petition to city council.

 

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Atlanta, Georgia – A puppy named Hailey had to be humanely euthanized in November 2025 after suffering horrific, repeated beatings at the hands of her owners. The cruelty she endured left her body shattered and beyond saving. According to the Fulton County police, Hailey’s devastating injuries were the result of abuse dealt by Elijah Cox, 23, and Chakyra Stanford, 20.

The couple tried claiming their five-month-old puppy suffered the devastating injuries from being hit by a car, but the truth was much more sinister. Their young pet had been subjected to unimaginable abuse that resulted in her hips, jaw, eye sockets, legs, and multiple ribs being broken. A veterinary exam revealed inconsistencies with the “hit by a car” claim, prompting a deeper dive into how Hailey suffered such horrific injuries.

The Miami Valley Pit Crew rescue group did their utmost to mend Hailey’s broken body, but veterinarians confirmed that the battered little puppy could not be saved. In a heartbreaking social media post, the rescue organization outlined the veterinary findings, and how the difficult decision to euthanize Hailey was made:

After many sets of X-rays, CT scans, lab work, and a thorough evaluation by the orthopedic surgeon, it was determined that Hailey had absolutely no quality of life even with intervention due to the amount of breaks in her tiny body.

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