The University of Minnesota is set to treat one of the two dogs that were shot and injured Saturday by a police officer in North Minneapolis.
Jennifer LeMay, owner of the Staffordshire Terriers, said one of the dogs, Ciroc, is slated to begin recovery treatment through the University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center on Wednesday morning.
Ciroc and the other dog, Rocko, received emergency medical treatment on Saturday at Affiliated Emergency Veterinary Service in Golden Valley, she said.
Ciroc was diagnosed with a shattered jaw and a skull fracture, while Rocko’s chest, shoulder and neck were injured, LeMay said. It is still uncertain what long-term treatment is needed for both dogs.
“The legal aspect of it is not a priority right now,” LeMay said. “Two priorities: first and foremost is the physical recovery for the dogs, and the secondary is the wellbeing of my children, because my children witnessed this.”
The shooting went viral through Facebook posts and a GoFundMe campaign for the veterinary bills. The crowd sourced campaign raised over $28,000 as of Tuesday.
LeMay said that the donations have been overwhelming.
“We are truly, truly blessed and thankful for the compassion of everyone, nationwide and worldwide, that have made donations on behalf of the animals,” she said. “I wish I could thank everyone individually and personally.”
The funds have not been released yet, and will be transferred into a trust account.
“We want those who have given out of the kindness of their hearts to see where their efforts and donations go,” LeMay said.
In a statement released Monday afternoon, Minneapolis Police Department Chief Janeé Harteau said the video was “difficult to watch.”
The statement said the incident will be reviewed by Internal Affairs and the department will help pay the veterinarian bills. The MPD will also be starting mandatory training for dog-police encounters.