On June 30, 2016

Off-duty officer shoots pit bull in dog park after attack

HARTFORD — On Saturday, June 25, at approximately 4:30 p.m., Hartford Police were dispatched to a report of a dogfight in the off-leash area of Watson Upper Valley Dog Park in Hartford Village. Witnesses reported that an off-duty police officer had shot and killed a pit bull that had attacked his dog at the park, reported Hartford Police Chief Phillip Kasten in a news release.

Hartford Police Officer Logan Scelza, a four-year veteran of the department, was off-duty and exercising his pet Husky at the dog park when it was reportedly bitten in the throat by a pit bull, Chief Kasten reported.

“To insure a fair and impartial process, I have requested this matter be investigated by the Vermont State Police,” Kasten wrote on Facebook, Sunday. “I call on everyone, my staff and our community to both cooperate and fully support these investigative efforts. It is critical to be patient and not speculate or jump to conclusions…While this is undoubtedly an emotional situation, it is important these emotions do not provoke rash judgment or hurtful actions based on one person’s profession, or the breeds of those dogs involved.”

Chief Kasten also addressed town residents and guests, saying “our parks remain a safe place for you and your family when park rules and etiquette are followed… Park visitors are reminded to keep their dogs leashed, or in off-leash areas, in sight and under control at all times. Dog owners or guardians are responsible to leash their dogs at the first sign of aggression.”

“Personally, and on behalf of the men and women of the Hartford Police Department, I offer our deepest sympathies and condolences to the family and friends of both dogs involved in yesterday’s fight at the Watson Upper Valley Dog Park in Hartford Village,” Kasten continued. “Both families, those praying on a speedy recovery for their family pet, and those grieving the loss of a member of their family are in our hearts, mind and prayers today.”

Anyone with information that is pertinent to this investigation is asked to contact Detective Trooper Mike Notte of the Vermont State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation at [email protected], or 802-773-9101.

Do you want to submit feedback to the editor?

Send Us An Email!

Related Posts

CEDRR receives $2,500 Smart Growth Award

June 4, 2025
The Vermont Natural Resources Council announced the latest grant recipients for the Small Grants for Smart Growth program, May 27. Grantee selections are made on a rolling basis. The committee chose the Bridport Housing Task Force, the Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region (CEDRR), and the South Burlington Energy Committee to be awarded a combined $6,750 in the most recent…

Public notice: East Mountain Road Paving postponed till Tuesday, May 27.

May 23, 2025
KILLINGTON—Temporary paving of East Mountain Road is delayed due to weather until Tuesday, May 27. The area will remain gravel until then, and is open to all traffic.  Please get in touch with the Killington Public Works Director, Abbie Sherman, at 802-712-4243 or [email protected] with any questions or concerns.

Stafford Technical Center students construct planter boxes for Castleton seniors in time for spring planting

May 21, 2025
Stafford Technical Center students Tyler Gugliotta (left), Charlie Souza (middle), and Paden Lynch (right), as well as staff in the RHS EPIC After School Program Carpentry Club, constructed seven new planter boxes for the Castleton Community Seniors Wellness Center entrance.

Learning can be sweet!

May 21, 2025
Mrs. Jodi Schneider’s pre-Kindergarten students are in the middle of a unit of study about ice cream. As part of the unit, they needed to find an expert in the field to answer questions that they haven’t found yet. Ben Pilsmaker from Mountain Creamery presented to the class on Monday, May 19, how he makes…