ST. LOUIS (WWJ/AP) - Friends and neighbors in a mid-Michigan community are rallying behind owners of a golden retriever that was fatally shot by a police officer.

Supporters and their canine companions gathered Tuesday at the home where the dog named Scout lived in St. Louis, about 50 miles north of Lansing.

Mike Goetzinger says the officer had “no reason” to kill the dog owned by his brother Brian Goetzinger and his family.

Supporters say they will hold an “all day protest” begin at 9 a.m. Wednesday at St. Louis Town Hall. A vigil is also planned for 9 p.m. Wednesday at the corner of State Street and Wilson Boulevard.

The officer, who was not named, reportedly fired seven shots after the dog ran in front of his cruiser and tried to bite him. In a police report, the officer wrote that the dog was “showing its teeth and growling.”

The dog, which was part of the Goetzinger family for over eight years, was shot at least twice and died at a veterinarian’s office.

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