Police have issued a statement regarding the incident in Rionegro, Antioquia, where an officer shot and killed a dog during a procedure. The statement provides the officer's account of the incident.

News: The institution stated that the officer was injured by the animal and announced the opening of a disciplinary investigation. The incident occurred in Rionegro, Antioquia. Photo: Social media. JOURNALIST 05.11.2026 20:09 Updated: 05.11.2026 20:25 Following the controversy sparked by the case of an officer who shot and killed a dog during an operation in a public area, the Police of Antioquia issued a statement on Monday, May 11, and announced a disciplinary investigation to clarify the events that occurred in Rionegro. According to videos circulating on social media, a group of police officers approached a man, apparently a homeless person, who was accompanied by his pet. The man had a sharp object and, according to initial reports, he refused to hand it over to the authorities. During the operation, the officers restrained the man against a wall, while the animal barked at the police, apparently trying to defend its owner. After several minutes of tension, one of the officers fired his weapon, leaving the pet lying on the ground until its death. Officers were trying to arrest a man carrying a machete. Photo: Social media capture. Police provide information about an attack on a dog during a procedure. The death of the pet during the operation caused controversy, prompting several authorities in the municipality of Rionegro to speak out. The Police also issued their version of the events. According to Colonel Luis Fernando Muñoz Guzmán, commander of the Police Department of Antioquia, the incident occurred during an operation in Rionegro, specifically during the arrest of a man for the crime of violence against a public official. According to the commander, the man was arrested after attacking the officers with a machete. Muñoz stated that, during the police intervention, a dog of a potentially dangerous breed intervened, which attacked a citizen and one of the police officers who were carrying out the operation. According to the Police report, the animal caused injuries to the officer's lower limb, which led to his reaction with the firearm. Dog killed by a police officer. Photo: Courtesy. "In this situation, the officer fired his service weapon," said the commander of the Police of Antioquia. The colonel indicated that the authorities have opened a disciplinary investigation to clarify the facts and detailed that the officer is currently being treated in a medical center to assess the injuries that the animal allegedly caused him. Subsequently, according to the authorities, the corresponding administrative decisions will be made with respect to the officer involved. "The National Police reiterate their commitment to respecting the life and well-being of animals as sentient beings, as well as the rational and proportionate use of force, in accordance with the law and internal regulations," concluded the commander. Mayor of Rionegro speaks about the case of a dog killed by an officer. The Mayor of Rionegro also commented on the case. In a video shared on the official account of the administration, Carolina Tejada, Secretary of Security and Justice, stated that the local authorities deeply regret the death of the animal and pointed out that "a rigorous and transparent investigation will be essential to establish what happened." "In Rionegro, we promote respect for life in all its forms, and we know the pain and indignation that an event like this generates in people's hearts," said the official. Dog killed by a police officer. Photo: Courtesy. Tejada also called for prudence to ensure that the facts are investigated by the competent authorities and that the corresponding responsibilities are determined in the case. "From the Secretariat, we will continue to closely monitor this case and ensure that all interventions are based on the protection of life and respect for rights," concluded the secretary. Indignation in Rionegro, Antioquia, over the killing of a dog by a police officer. "People are outraged by the killing of a dog by a police officer during an operation. Witnesses say the dog was trying to protect its owner. The police claim the dog was aggressive." - Plataforma ALTO (@PlataformaALTO) May 11, 2026. LATEST NEWS: Follow all the information from Colombia on Facebook and Twitter, or in our weekly newsletter. NEWSLETTERS: Subscribe to our newsletters and receive news in your email according to your interests. Stay informed with what really matters to you. GOOGLE NEWS: Follow us on GOOGLE NEWS. Stay always updated with the latest news, coverage, stories and analysis directly on Google News. WHATSAPP: Join the El Tiempo channel on WhatsApp to stay up to date with the most relevant news at the moment. APP: Stay informed with the EL TIEMPO app. Receive the latest news, coverage, stories and analysis directly on your device. SUBSCRIBE: Get reliable information. Subscribe to EL TIEMPO and consult our journalistic content without limits.