Rally held for dog gunned down by police

PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. (WSVN) -- Supporters of a 13-year-old boy who watched police shoot and kill his dog rallied together to make a plea to local leaders.

Cameron Jones, 13, led his family and others in his community in a rally at Pembroke Pines City Hall on Wednesday, hoping to change police procedures on dealing with dogs on the loose.

In February, Baxter, the Jones family's sheepdog, got loose during a police search in front of the Jones' home. An officer opened fire on Baxter, shooting him multiple times. Baxter later died as a result of his injuries at an animal hospital. "No other dog can live up to what he did," said Cameron.

Police say the shooting was justified because Baxter ran out of the Jones' home and attacked a cop.

While Cameron teared up recounting the night of the incident when he lost his best friend, the crowd continuously chanted "Justice for Baxter" and held up signs to support Cameron's fight for change.

Cameron's parents are also helping him on his mission. "You could use a Taser, they have other means on them besides starting with a 42-caliber weapon and shooting my dog," said Cindy Jones, Cameron's mother.

Inside the city's commission meeting, Cameron spoke to members during the public comment section, indicating that he does not want to see other officers use deadly force against any more dogs. "They should at least come with a snare or Mace, Taser, not come with their gun already pulled out," he said.

Cameron knows making a change to police policy will not be easy but he says people should expect more rallies to come. "You just can't give up, we have to keep fighting," he said.

City commissioners were not able to respond or vote on the issue Cameron brought up at Wednesday night's meeting.

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