Cincinnati Couple Seeks Accountability After Police Shoot Their Dog

The Stevens family is demanding the police cover their $3,000 vet bills after an officer shot their dog during a response to an alleged burglary call.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A Cincinnati couple is seeking answers and accountability after Cincinnati Police Officers shot their dog during a response to an alleged burglary call to their home. Alicia Wheeler-Stevens called 911 when she thought someone was breaking into her home, and when officers arrived, one of her dogs had escaped, prompting police to open fire. The couple's dog, Max, was shot in the head and is now recovering, but they are facing around $3,000 in vet bills. The couple says the officers left the scene without apologizing or providing a written report, and they want the police to pay the vet bills and hold the officer who shot their dog accountable.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the potential risks and consequences when police respond to emergency calls involving pets. It raises questions about police use of force, officer training in handling animals, and the need for better communication and accountability when such incidents occur.

The details

According to the report, when Cincinnati Police Officers responded to Alicia Wheeler-Stevens' 911 call about a possible burglary, one of the couple's dogs had escaped the home. The officers then opened fire on the dog, shooting it in the head. The dog, named Max, was rushed to an emergency vet, where doctors found metal fragments in its head. The couple says the vet bills have reached around $3,000 so far, and the dog may need additional surgery.

  • On February 10, 2026, Alicia Wheeler-Stevens called 911 when she thought someone was breaking into her home.
  • When police arrived, one of the couple's dogs had escaped the home, prompting the officers to open fire.

The players

Alicia Wheeler-Stevens

A Cincinnati resident who called 911 when she thought someone was breaking into her home.

William Stevens

The husband of Alicia Wheeler-Stevens, who came home to find police cars blocking the street and officers with guns drawn.

Max

The couple's dog that was shot by police during the incident.

Ken Kober

The president of the Fraternal Order of Police Queen City Lodge 69, who commented on the situation.

Cincinnati Police Officers

The police officers who responded to the 911 call and shot the couple's dog.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The next thing I know, I heard a gunshot. They shot him in his head.”

— Alicia Wheeler-Stevens (WHIO)

“So I get him, put him on the leash. He's bleeding profusely. I mean, he's bleeding so bad my car is full of blood.”

— William Stevens (WHIO)

“You shoot him instead of (Tasing) him? I don't understand that. And then we don't get an apology or anything. I believe they need to pay for all my vet bills, which is totally about $3,000 as of this moment.”

— William Stevens (WHIO)

“If they believe that they're going to be bit, they have the right to defend themselves.”

— Ken Kober, President of the Fraternal Order of Police Queen City Lodge 69 (WHIO)

“Be cautious when you call 911, make sure you put your dogs in a room so they don't get shot. They're like your kids.”

— William Stevens (WHIO)

What’s next

The Stevens family is demanding that the Cincinnati Police Department cover their $3,000 in vet bills and hold the officer who shot their dog accountable.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for better police training and protocols when responding to emergency calls involving pets, as well as the importance of clear communication and accountability when such incidents occur to ensure the safety of both officers and the public.