Activists call on LAPD to release bodycam video after fatal shooting of dog in Canoga Park

CANOGA PARK, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Activists are calling for the release of body camera video after a woman's dog was shot and killed by police during a New York Knicks' NBA championship celebration in Canoga Park.

The LA National Action Network held a news conference Tuesday morning in front of Los Angeles Police Department headquarters, urging the department to identify the officers involved in the shooting.

"The tragic killing of Jameson was unnecessary and unwarranted," said Najee Ali, Senior Organizer of the Los Angeles National Action Network. "We demand immediate accountability, which can only happen through the prompt release of the body-worn camera footage and the names of the officers responsible for shooting and killing Jameson. The public deserves transparency, and the family deserves answers."

The dog named Jameson was shot Saturday after police responded to reports of a woman screaming inside a condo building on Jordan Avenue. The woman had been celebrating the Knicks' win, according to witnesses.

A photo taken moments before Jameson was killed showed the dog wearing a Knicks shirt.

Activists said the release of body camera footage and the identification of the officers involved are necessary to provide transparency in the case.

Video shows emotional aftermath

In cellphone video from the condo building obtained by Eyewitness News, a woman can be heard crying.

"Oh my god! Oh my God," a woman cried. "I cannot believe this is happening. I cannot believe this is happening."

"We were just so happy. We were just so happy. We were just celebrating the Knicks. We were f------ celebrating the Knicks," the woman screamed.

Raymon Alvarez, who lives across the street, said he heard the screaming while heading out for a walk.

"The screaming I heard was like, 'Ah! Oh my God! Oh my God!' Like just, pure screaming," Alvarez said.

When he returned home, he said he heard gunfire.

"I didn't think they were gunshots at first because this area is not really known for any sort of gun violence," Alvarez said.

The dog owner's son told Eyewitness News off-camera that his mother had simply been celebrating the Knicks' championship win and that Jameson was energetic but not violent.

"He's such a good dog!" the woman can be heard screaming in the video from the scene.

Now, a memorial is growing in the hallway where neighbors watched Jameson die.

The neighbor who called police told Eyewitness News off-camera that they they feel guilty for calling 911, but sincerely thought their neighbor was in trouble.

The circumstances that led up to the police shooting are under review.