Ryback is calling out the LAPD after a family dog named Jameson was shot and killed during what should have been a celebration.
The former WWE star took to Instagram after watching bodycam footage from the Canoga Park incident. He said his heart goes out to the family and made it clear this one hit hard. Ryback did not say all police officers are bad, but he said this situation shows why better training is needed when cops deal with family pets.
“My heart goes out to the family of Jameson, the dog shot by the LAPD. After watching the body cam footage, I can’t imagine the pain of seeing your beloved dog killed in front of you after what should have been a night of celebration.
There needs to be better training and protocols so lethal force isn’t the first response with family pets. This isn’t about saying all cops are bad. There are many great officers. This is about accountability when one officer’s actions fall far below the standard the public deserves.”
The Big Guy also said he hopes Jameson’s death leads to real change: “Jameson is in many people’s hearts and prayers. I hope his family finds peace and closure, and I hope this tragedy leads to meaningful change.”
According to ABC7, the whole thing started after LAPD officers responded to a call about a screaming woman inside a condo building on Jordan Avenue in Canoga Park. Police said Jameson rushed at officers before he was shot.
Witnesses said the dog’s owner had only been celebrating the New York Knicks’ NBA championship with her family. A photo taken shortly before Jameson was killed showed the 2-year-old golden retriever, Saint Bernard and poodle mix wearing a Knicks shirt. Cellphone video from the scene captured the owner breaking down after the shooting.
“We were just so happy. We were just so happy. We were just celebrating the Knicks. We were f—— celebrating the Knicks.
A neighbor who called 911 later said they felt guilty, but genuinely thought the woman was in trouble. Now, a memorial is growing in the hallway where Jameson died.
Ryback’s take is simple: this was a family pet, and he believes lethal force should not have been the first answer. Now he is joining those calling for accountability and better protocols so another family does not have to watch their dog die in front of them.
What do you think? Should police departments change how officers handle family pets during emergency calls? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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