Moutere resident Todd Douglas says he no longer feels safe in his own home after armed police mistakenly stormed his address on Friday, November 9, vainly hunting wanted man Daniel Fincher, and killing Todd’s beloved pet dog, Mud, in the process.
“The cops came in with an attitude of ‘we’re going to shoot something’. They were like armed terrorists, they burst in, caused chaos and left us a big mess to clean up,” says Todd.
To add further insult, the police search warrant was in fact for the neighbouring property, bringing their intelligence network into question, when a simple search on google maps clearly shows the distinction.
Todd, his partner and an acquaintance were forced from their property, escorted by police, despite Todd’s repeated requests for the police to divulge what they were seeking and to warn them of his dogs on the property.
Mud was contained in a small building at the rear of the property, and within minutes of police letting him out, would be dead.
“I told the cops over and over we had dogs on the property and we were worried for their safety,” says Todd.
Police ignored Todd’s concerns.
Instead pumping five bullets into pet dog Mud who, by all accounts, was “a toothless big softie, even scared of strong wind”, with a 223 M4 Bushmaster supressed rifle.
“It’s so heart-breaking. To have this done just rips out my heart.”
The Waimea Weekly asked Tasman District Area Commander Paul Borrell a number of questions, namely how the police got the wrong address, but have been told they’re unable to be answered due to the anticipation of Todd making an IPCA (Independent Police Conduct Authority) complaint.
Todd is yet to complete the paperwork.
However, Paul did say that the police are completely satisfied that the shooting was justified, although regrettable, and it would be inappropriate to add anything further. It is unknown if Mud confronted a police dog or was running away when shot.
The armed police were wearing body cameras but Todd’s and media requests to view the footage has been ignored and declined.
“I need to know what his (Mud) last moments were like. I want to know if he was attacking them or running away,” says Todd. “I need to stand up to the police and get some answers, so no-one else goes through this.”
The violation for Todd didn’t stop there with his “best car” incurring damage from the raid.
“It’s been a week from hell.”