The Pokagon Band of Tribal Police in Lawrence, Michigan, has terminated Officer David Loza after he shot and killed a beloved deer named Annie. The incident occurred on October 20, and witnesses reported that officers wrangled and shot the deer, despite community members’ attempts to intervene. Annie was known for her friendly demeanor and comfort around humans.
The decision to fire Officer Loza came after a review of his bodycam footage and interviews with witnesses. Chief Mario RedLegs stated that Loza ignored comments from citizens and misidentified Annie as a “pet deer.” Loza’s actions were deemed to be in violation of multiple department policies, lacking compassion and empathy for Annie and the community members who cared for her.
The Pokagon Band of Tribal Police expressed that this incident does not reflect their values and emphasized their commitment to supporting animal rights. The case is expected to be forwarded to a prosecutor’s office for potential charges.
