New Zealand police fatally shot an airport security dog when it escaped onto the Auckland Airport tarmac Friday.
The Associated Press reports that the young dog, whose name was Grizz and who was being trained to detect explosives by New Zealand’s Aviation Security Service, ran loose for more than three hours on the tarmac and interrupted at least 16 flights.
Airport staff tried to entice the 10-month-old bearded collie and German short-haired pointer mix off the tarmac with toys, food and other dogs before calling in the New Zealand police.
News of the dog’s death sparked outrage in New Zealand, where some said the animal should have been tranquilized instead.
Police Inspector Tracy Phillips said the police’s actions were a last resort.
“This is not an outcome which anyone wanted,” she said.
More Must-Reads From TIME
- Jane Fonda Champions Climate Action for Every Generation
- Biden’s Campaign Is In Trouble. Will the Turnaround Plan Work?
- Why We're Spending So Much Money Now
- The Financial Influencers Women Actually Want to Listen To
- Breaker Sunny Choi Is Heading to Paris
- Why TV Can’t Stop Making Silly Shows About Lady Journalists
- The Case for Wearing Shoes in the House
- Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time
Write to Tessa Berenson at tessa.Rogers@time.com