Owner of Dog Killed by Cops Launches Fundraiser For Possible Legal Action

The owner of a German shepherd shot dead by a police officer announced Friday that he launched an online fundraiser to pay for possible legal action against the department and to cover medical bills for the animal.

Igor Vukobratovic’s dog, Otto, was killed by township Police Officer Kyle Ferreira, who was checking a reported burglary, according to authorities. Ferreira, however, responded to the wrong house and shot the 5-year-old family pet when police said the dog bit the officer’s foot.

“We’re going to be completely transparent about the costs – anything that is not needed by the family will be donated to local animal shelters and related charities,” a message on Vukobratovic’s GoFundMe fundraising website said.

The effort has so far collected $2,065 of its $7,500 goal, according to the site.

“It is clear the Wyckoff Police Department [is] not interested in taking responsibility for their actions and there is no recourse for the Vukobratovic’s outside of seeking legal counsel,” a post on the site said. “Though the Vukobratovic’s are determined to seek damages, there is no guarantee they will be compensated for their losses for quite some time.”

Ferreira responded to a reported break-in on Lawlins Road, but accidently went to the Vukobratovic’s house across the street, police said.

The officer knocked when he arrived at the house and got no response before he went through an unlocked gate and pulled his gun, thinking burglars could still be at the home, according to Chief of Police Benjamin Fox. Otto jumped out of a window and bit the officer, leading him to fire four shots.

Ferreira hit the animal twice, the chief said.

Goran Vukobratovic, Igor’s father, previously told NJ Advance Media that he doubted the police account. Otto would have immediately started barking if the officer knocked, he said.

In an interview Thursday, Fox said the officer was “extremely distraught” over the incident and had a right to defend himself from a possibly dangerous animal.

The department was continuing to investigate the shooting and search for witnesses, he added.