Police correct statement on fatal shooting of dog

Ludwigshafen police have been compelled to correct their initial press release regarding the shooting of a dog on Saturday evening. The force initially stated that officers had shot a "dangerous" dog whose owner had fled the scene. Police later acknowledged that the animal was a chihuahua and that the owner was not a wanted suspect.

According to the first announcement, police shot the dog during a stop, claiming it moved "towards the officers" without a leash. The owner was also reported to have resisted arrest. Police had initiated criminal proceedings for threats with a weapon and resisting an officer.

Two days later, police issued a corrected statement. It clarified that the shot dog was a small chihuahua. Furthermore, it emerged that the apprehended man was merely walking the dog and was not the individual being sought for threatening an employee at a restaurant. Police revised their account of the incident, stating the dog was shot "for reasons of self-protection" with service weapons.

The incident has drawn significant criticism on social media. The Ludwigshafen police are facing calls for a thorough investigation and the temporary suspension of the officer involved. According to police, an internal investigation is underway, with the public prosecutor's office to make final decisions on any measures. The man suspected of the restaurant threat remains at large.