Police shoot dead a dog in Queensland after hitting it with patrol car.

Queensland police defend decision to shoot dog after it was hit by patrol car

One distressed woman was led away as the dog died and Queensland police have defended the officer’s actions.

Queensland Police have defended the actions of an officer to shoot a dog minutes after it was run over by a patrol car.

The dog was struck on Mill St at Pioneer in Mount Isa about 3.40pm on Sunday, while police were on their way to an unrelated call out.

Police said a supervising officer attended within three minutes and the dog was showing “obvious trauma injuries” and was in distress.

The decision was made to “euthanise” the animal and it was shot by an officer.

A video was uploaded to social media after the incident and shows officers gathered on a road next to the dog, before two shots can be heard.

There are believed to have been distressed locals watching on and one woman was led away from the scene.

“The dog is believed to have come from under or behind a parked car and was run over,” police said in a statement to 7NEWS.com.au

“Neither the driver nor the passenger saw the dog prior to the impact.”

The dog continued to wag its tail after it was shot, before police took aim and shot it a second time.The dog continued to wag its tail after it was shot, before police took aim and shot it a second time. Credit: Facebook

“The decision was made to euthanise the dog immediately to avoid further suffering for the animal.

“This incident was traumatic for the officers involved and the community and the dog’s family, however it was considered the humane and only option available.”

It is understood senior officers have spoken with the family.

Some people who had seen the video questioned why the officers didn’t take the dog to the vet to be euthanised there.

Police have said the body worn camera vision has been reviewed and “confirmed the animal was significantly injured and the actions taken by officers was to prevent prolonged suffering and further distress.”

“All police use of force incidents, including the lethal use of force against an animal, are recorded and reviewed by senior officers, and the decisions and actions are reviewed in accordance with policy and procedures,” the statement read.

RSPCA Queensland told 7NEWS.com.au it was aware of the distressing incident.

“Any seriously injured animal should receive prompt assistance, and where euthanasia is the best option to prevent further suffering, it should be carried out promptly, using a method that minimises pain, fear and distress,” a spokesperson said.

“Given the matter is subject to a review by QPS we’ll not be making any further comment.”