Controversy has erupted in the United States after police officers were filmed shooting a pet dog.

The officers had arrested the owner of the 130 pound Rottweiller's, Leon Rosby (52), for filming a police scene with his camera phone.

Rosby had placed the Rottweiller called Max in the back of his car. But as Rosby was being handcuffed and hauled away by the group of policemen, Max escaped out the car window and approached the officers.

One of the policemen drew his pistol and shot the dog a number of times, fatally wounding him.

Rosby had claimed that he was filming the police operation so that "nobody's civil rights were violated."

Meanwhile, the police who were responding to an armed robbery call, claimed that they shot Max in self-defence and also to defend the handcuffed and "helpless Rosby."

Rosby was held overnight on suspicion of obstruction of justice but was released the following morning. 

If you wish to view the graphic video of the incident, click here.