K-9 Shot in Placer County Prompts PETA Call to Retire Dogs, Get Robotics

For Immediate Release:
October 20, 2026

Contact:
Nicole Perreira 202-483-7382

Following reports that a K-9 named Sonic was shot during a standoff with a suspect in Penryn on Friday, PETA sent a letter today to Placer County Sheriff Wayne Woo, urging him to retire Sonic—and phase out the use of dogs altogether. In the letter, PETA encourages the department to replace K‑9s with state-of-the-art policing technology, such as tactical robots, drones (already used by the department), and portable mass spectrometers. In a growing trend, law enforcement departments across the country now use tactical robots, which can be deployed in situations that could otherwise result in serious injury or death for K-9s and human officers.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, the suspect barricaded herself inside a home, and law enforcement deployed drones, tear gas, and other tactics during the hours-long standoff. Deputies later entered the home with Sonic, who was shot in the leg before deputies returned fire. Sonic underwent emergency surgery and is now recovering at home.

“When police departments send dogs into dangerous situations, they put living, feeling beings at risk of being shot, injured, or killed, and dogs who survive can be left with lasting pain and trauma,” says PETA Senior Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch. “Deputies choose to take on the risks of their duties, but K-9s like Sonic aren’t given a choice, and PETA is urging the Placer County Sheriff’s Office to immediately retire him and seize the opportunity to reassess its use of dogs.”

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—points out that Every Animal Is Someone and offers free Empathy Kits for people who need a lesson in kindness. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow PETA on X, Facebook, or Instagram.

PETA’s letter to Woo follows.

October 20, 2026

The Honorable Wayne Woo

Sheriff of Placer County

Dear Sheriff Woo:

I hope this message finds you well. I’m writing on behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) regarding K-9 Sonic, who was injured during a suspect pursuit. We wish him a speedy recovery. Would you please retire Sonic into a safe and loving home, and consider this an opportunity to reassess the use of dogs?

Sonic is not the only police dog who has been injured in the line of duty, but he’s among the few who have survived. Just last month, K-9 Kylo of Portland, Oregon, was reportedly shot and killed during a suspect pursuit. In May, K-9 Knight of Chesterfield County, Virginia, reportedly died from injuries sustained when a suspect opened fire on him and officers responding to a domestic violence call. Earlier this year, K-9 Sheik of the Wheeling Police Department in West Virginia died after she was struck by a car. There certainly have been more fatal assaults against K-9s that weren’t reported publicly.

Unlike their human counterparts, K-9s do not sign up to risk their lives. They are loyal and protective, but they cannot consent to be used in violent encounters they did not cause or escalate. Veterinary experts and the U.S. military recognize that dogs, in addition to suffering the immediate physical pain and other effects of life-threatening injuries, can experience fear and anxiety from post-traumatic stress for the rest of their lives.

Will you please plan now to use state-of-the-art technology, such as tactical robots, drones, or portable mass spectrometers, which enhance safety and operational efficiency without risking anyone’s life, once your current K-9s have been retired? Your department may be able to secure grant funding for new technology through the California Grants Portal, the DOJ Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), and the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program. You might also find private or equipment-specific grant funding opportunities through PoliceGrantsHelp.com.

Thank you for your consideration and for all that you do to keep your community safe.

Most respectfully,

Allison Fandl

Manager of Special Projects

Cruelty Investigations Department | PETA