Group calls for termination of two deputies involved in shooting of dog

Posted at: 10/17/2012 7:37 AM | Updated at: 10/17/2012 5:43 PM
By: Joangel Concepcion | WHEC.com

It’s a story that got a lot of attention. The pit bull terrier was shot and killed by two sheriff’s deputies outside of his Perinton home in June.

Now a local activist is joining in on the fight for Diablo. He says he’s going the extra mile to prove the sheriff’s deputies were wrong that night.

The dog's owner, Gary Brockler filed a lawsuit against the two deputies five days ago. The lawsuit says the deputies trespassed and he claims they intentionally shot the dog because they didn't like the owner. Brockler was advised to not go on camera Wednesday morning, but that didn't stop him from demanding answers from the sheriff.

Teddy Loria is the President of Citizens against Police Brutality and Misconduct and now he’s standing up for Diablo, a pit bull killed by two Monroe County Sheriff’s Deputies.

Loria took matters into his own hands last month, driving the dog’s body all the way to Ithaca for a thorough examination. He says the necropsy report from the University of Cornell differs from the deputies’ statements. He says the Cornell report says the deputies shot at a closer range and the bullet entered at a downward angle.

Loria said, “The report saying that the dog charged at them and they were 20 feet when they shot the dog from the house is clearly false.”

Loria wanted to talk directly to Monroe County Sheriff Patrick O’Flynn. He walked into the Public Safety Building with Diablo’s owner Wednesday morning looking for answers.

Loria said, “Explain a lot of these discrepancies, re-investigate this now since he justifies their actions back in June and terminate both of these officers.”

He wasn’t just looking for answers. He’s also hoping for change, new laws that will protect the officer first and the dog second.

Loria said, “Implement some polices that will change the way that law enforcement deal with K-9's and to make sure something like this never happens again.”

The owner of the dog, Gary Brockler, was charged with criminal possession of marijuana and steroids back in July, which he pled not guilty.

The sheriff’s office says they investigated the incident and exonerated both of the deputies. The sheriff’s office told News10NBC the same thing they told Loria, they do not plan to reinvestigate the incident.

Loria and Brockler plan to rally outside of the Monroe County Public Safety Building on Sunday. Loria says they have more than 9,000 signatures from the community petitioning the removal of the two deputies. They are certainly expecting huge crowds this weekend. Brockler says he will rally every month until justice is served.

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