Pa. Trooper Kills Family Dog During Welfare Check

Clinton County DA says video shows trooper was repeatedly attacked by the pit bull-boxer before fatally shooting it.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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A Pennsylvania state trooper fatally shot a family's 9-year-old pit bull-boxer named Kada during a welfare check at their home in Lock Haven. The Clinton County district attorney said he reviewed body cam footage that showed the trooper was repeatedly attacked by the dog before shooting it. The family is devastated by the loss of their beloved pet.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the difficult situations law enforcement can face when responding to calls, especially when pets are involved. It raises questions about police protocols for handling aggressive animals and the emotional toll on officers who are forced to use lethal force, even against family pets.

The details

According to the district attorney, the state trooper was sent to the home after the Central Mountain Middle School reported a concerning email from a student at that address. When the trooper arrived, the family's dog Kada attacked him, ripping his pants and boot on the first encounter. The dog then grabbed the trooper's arm on a second attack, leading the officer to fatally shoot the animal. The family's 11-year-old daughter witnessed the shooting and is traumatized, along with her sisters.

  • On January 26, the state trooper fatally shot the family's dog Kada during a welfare check.
  • The incident occurred around 7:30 pm, after the trooper had initially been dispatched to the home earlier in the day.

The players

David Strouse

The Clinton County district attorney who reviewed the body cam footage and said the trooper was in an untenable position after being repeatedly attacked by the dog.

Jennifer Shaffer

The mother of four teenage girls who were home alone when the incident occurred. Her boyfriend's dog Kada was fatally shot by the trooper.

Kada

The family's 9-year-old pit bull-boxer that was fatally shot by the state trooper during the welfare check.

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What they’re saying

“I feel terrible for the family affected. The family lost their beloved pet, who, I am sure, was like a member of their family. I cannot imagine how awful the experience has been for that family.”

— David Strouse, Clinton County District Attorney

“Kimberly, 11, claimed the trooper kicked the dogs, Shaffer said. She was standing next to the trooper when he shot Kada, she said, and is traumatized, as are her sisters, she said.”

— Jennifer Shaffer (pennlive.com)

What’s next

State police have not asked the district attorney to provide an opinion on whether the use of force against the dog was justified. The state police are conducting an internal investigation into the incident.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the difficult decisions law enforcement can face when responding to calls involving pets, and the lasting emotional impact on both officers and families when lethal force is used against an animal. It highlights the need for clear protocols and training to help officers de-escalate confrontations with aggressive animals when possible.