Miami police officer shoots, kills stray dog in 'attempt to protect himself'

MIAMI – A Miami police officer shot and killed a stray dog Thursday afternoon in an attempt to protect himself, Officer Kenia Fallat said.

The large dog charged at the officer shortly before 4:30 p.m. while he was responding to a complaint about narcotic use near Northeast Third Avenue and Northwest 80th Street, Fallat said.

"In an attempt to protect himself, the officer was forced to discharge his firearm, striking the dog," Fallat said.

The dog, which was not wearing a collar, was taken to Knowles Animal Clinic, where the dog died.

The dog's breed has not been released.