This happens a LOT! And it's very sad. It is justified sometimes? Yes... I can't say I blame an officer for killing a loose large powerful breed in a drug-laden city running loose threatening people, but honestly... this happens SOOO often in completely utterly stupid situations where it shouldn't have happened. Too many pets are dying in their own back yards or homes. It's really terrible. And it's not just pits, rotties, etc... it's spaniels, labs, etc too.
Because of this, I would never trust an officer coming up to my door without locking Jackson away first. He's a small dog but he's very loud and 'intimidating' when any stranger walks to our house.
Here's a few other stories-
http://www.facebook.com/JusticeforGeist https://www.facebook.com/DogsShotbyPolice?fref=ts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCNNiRfQiTg
Thyey're making a documentary too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gPZ3TNkKTo