Wyckoff residents protest after dog shot by police at wrong address

WYCKOFF, N.J. (WABC) -- More than 50 protesters met outside Wyckoff Town Hall with signs and pets in hand.

They came here looking to leaders for answers about why Otto, a five-year-old German shepherd was shot and killed by a Wyckoff police officer.

"They've gone too far with just not telling the truth. If they would have just told the truth this wouldn't have to happen. We would say we understand you got scared and you shot my dog," said Igor Vukobratovic, the dog's owner.

Vukobratovic and his family are devastated.

Last week, a Wyckoff police officer responded to the wrong address for a burglary complaint.

Police say the officer noticed an opened window, drew his gun, concerned a suspect could be inside, and claims Otto attacked him.

Officer Kyle Ferreira was not hurt.

"Everything we have seen or heard doesn't make sense. It doesn't add up and doesn't make sense and that's what hurts us the most," a resident said.

Town leaders responded saying they have asked for a Bergen County detective to assist with the ongoing investigation and for the Prosecutor's Office and Attorney General's office to be pulled into the loop.

"While we appreciate your comments please understand we will not engage as this is an ongoing police investigation," said Kevin Rooney, Mayor of Wyckoff.

More than 5,000 people support an online petition calling for the officer to be fired but Tuesday night; residents from Wyckoff and neighboring towns who protested believe this is a police training issue.

"I think the officers need to be trained on how to deal with dogs, how to respond to calls involving animals, what to do when approached by an animal," said Linda Uber-Martin, a protester.

"They need to own up to the fact that they made a mistake. That's what the family wants they just want the truth, and they just want Otto's life not to have been lost for nothing," a protester said.