Baltimore police officer accused of slashing dog’s throat after animal had been subdued

BALTIMORE – Baltimore police say an officer has been accused of cutting the throat of a dog that had already been subdued after it was reported to have bitten a woman.

Police told a news conference Wednesday that the dog later died from the injury. The animal was initially thought to be a stray, but later was determined to have escaped from its home.

The alleged attack happened Saturday after police responded to a report of a woman being bitten. Deputy Commissioner Dean Palmere said officers gained control of the animal with a dog pole and an officer used a knife to cut the dog’s throat.

Late Wednesday, Detective Jeremy Silbert issued a statement identifying that policeman as Officer Jeffrey Bolger.

Silbert says Bolger was charged with animal cruelty. It was not known if he had a lawyer.