Danville, VA - Danville Police (web) say the officer that killed a miniature dachshund on Monday acted within policy. We told you about this Tuesday.

In a written press release on Wednesday, the Chief says the 11-pound dog charged an officer who was issuing a warrant next door and that in a split second, the officer made the decision to shoot.

The owners aren't the only ones outraged by this. This is something that has touched the entire community. Neighbors say Killer was everyone's pet and they want some answers.

"He was just a friendly, friendly animal," neighbor Johnnie Fullerwinder said.  It's a sentiment shared by just about every man and dog around here.

"I tried to walk her yesterday, she didn't want to go any further than the driveway and she stayed in the bed most of the night last night, so I know she knows that Killer is gone," neighbor Paula Gaither said.

But understanding why is proving more difficult.  "My first reaction was Why? How? Who would kill him?” Fullerwinder said.

"I feel that what happened to Killer was unjust. Unjust," Gaither said.

"When my husband came in yesterday to tell me about the sad incident, it hurt us both so badly. We were planning to go out to eat and we lost our appetite," Fullerwinder said.

Police say Killer was aggressive and that even with small breeds, it is within policy to shoot a dog. The Harpers say they don't understand how that was the only choice.

The dog’s owner, Tawaiin Harper, said, "I just need an explanation from them about why. Cause, I don't see any reason for him, for anybody to pull a gun out and shoot."

It's an explanation neighbors want too. Because they say Killer's time came too soon.

"Killer is in the arms of the angels and that he'll be sadly missed. He was just a little dog with a big bark. He was acting as a little protector," Gaither said.

Now it's important to note, Killer was not on a leash when this happened, and in Danville, there is a leash law. Police say their investigation shows that Killer has been aggressive before.

They also say the officer, by taking a bite, could have put himself at risk for rabies. Chief Broadfoot plans to hold a press conference tomorrow to address the issue.

Click here to read the full press release from Danville City Police.

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