The King County Prosecutor says there is no criminal culpability for the three police officers involved in the shooting death of Rosie, a Newfoundland dog, in Des Moines.

From a statement in the King County Prosecutor's report it said, “The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has concluded that the three police officers involved in the shooting death of Rosie did not commit either a felony offense under state statute or a criminal violation under King County Code.”

Rosie, a Newfoundland owned by Deirdre and Chuck Wright, was shot and killed by Des Moines Police officers on Nov. 7. The officers, responding to a roaming dog call, found Rosie wandering the street on 16 Avenue South near South 272 Street. Rosie was not wearing a collar, and after failed attempts to identify her the officers tried to capture her with a catch pull.

Unable to capture her with a catch pull, the officers tased Rosie, which only succeeded in causing her to run away. She was followed and tased again, and she ran again. The officers found her in the fenced yard of Lora Perry.
At this point, according to the police report, based on Rosie’s previous “aggressive actions” the officers determined lethal force was justified and shot Rosie four times.

In a post on the Justice for Rosie Facebook page, Lora Perry said that following the prosecutor's findings she does not want to keep living in Des Moines.

“I am sickened but not surprised by the result of the prosecutor's findings, even more so if the shooting review outcome is in the officers favor,” Perry said. “We need the law changed. I will tell you that I won't live in Des Moines much longer. Not when those people with poor judgment are allowed to have firearms.”

In the prosecutor's analysis of the incident it says, “Our conclusion is not meant to minimize the loss suffered by the Wright family. We understand that they cared for their dog and that her death has had a tremendous impact on them. We are sorry for the loss they suffered.”
In a press release from the Des Moines Police Department it says they echo those sentiments.

The Des Moines Police Department is now proceeding with a shooting review of the incident. A shooting review is not mandatory when a firearm has been discharged at an animal; it is up to the police chief’s discretion.
Immediately after the shooting Interim Police Chief John O’Leary ordered a shooting review be conducted.

At the Dec. 16 Des Moines Council meeting Mayor Bob Sheckler said the city will be looking into possible changes early next year for procedures regarding animals and equipment, to improve their response to these situations.

Rosie’s death has drawn international attention. An online petition asking for justice for Rosie has over 5,000 signatures from all over the world. The Facebook page Justice for Rosie has nearly 2,000 members.