Family of dog Cujo shot dead by police says he was gentle

The family of a dog shot dead by police in Canning Vale have described their pet as a gentle animal that was just trying to protect its owner.

Six-year-old Cujo — a staffy, rottweiler and labrador cross — was killed on Saturday night when police were arresting his 23-year-old owner.

Officers had been called to a Jilakin Loop home on Saturday afternoon after reports of a disturbance.

During the arrest, the dog bit a male officer on the face. Despite using tasers on the dog, officers were forced to fire their weapons to subdue him.

The injured officer, who was taken to Fiona Stanley Hospital on Saturday with face and ear injuries, was discharged on Sunday. WA Police said the officer would need ongoing treatment.

Speaking to 7NEWS, Cujo’s owners, who did not want to be named, said their pet was just trying to protect them.

On Sunday, the 23-year-old man was charged with assaulting an officer and obstructing officers. He will face court on October 11th.