Zadar police have corrected reports of a dog being thrown into the sea. Here's what happened to the animal.

A 37-year-old man has been charged with assault against a police officer and two other offenses related to family matters after an incident involving a dog on the island of Pašman on August 8, 2026. The Zadar Police Department confirmed that the man had physically attacked one of its officers during a confrontation on a patrol boat near the coast. The incident gained public attention after a video circulated online showing a police officer throwing the dog into the sea. However, the police have since corrected earlier statements regarding who was responsible for caring for the animal following the incident. According to the police, the 37-year-old man was found on a sailboat near the Kraj area of Pašman, where he had allegedly obstructed swimmers. Upon arriving at the scene, police officers discovered the man and his dog aboard the vessel. During their investigation, they determined that the man was wanted for suspected offenses under the category of crimes against marriage, children, and the family within the Karlovac County jurisdiction. The man immediately resisted arrest and jumped overboard with his dog, behaving inappropriately toward the animal and repeatedly submerging its head below the water level. Officers retrieved him from the water and brought him onto the patrol boat, where he continued resisting and waving his arms and legs in an attempt to damage the vessel. He physically assaulted a police officer and insulted them. The man was arrested using force and taken to the police station, where a breathalyzer test revealed alcohol in his system. Both the man and a police officer sustained minor injuries, which were confirmed through medical examinations at the Zadar General Hospital. The police explained that during the initial stages of dealing with the man, they informed the local community officer via operational duty. The community officer arrived at the scene and remained nearby the patrol boat throughout the incident. As the situation unfolded, the dog jumped onto the patrol boat. Due to the immediate danger of capsizing the vessel and the threat posed by the dog attacking the officers handling the man's case, the decision was made in coordination with the community officer to release the dog into the sea, where it was subsequently picked up by the community officer for further care. The incident sparked widespread public reaction, particularly due to the video footage showing a police officer throwing the dog into the water. In response, the Zadar Police Department issued a statement clarifying the sequence of events and emphasizing that the dog was ultimately cared for by the community officer after being released into the sea. The police have completed their criminal investigation into the 37-year-old man and filed a formal complaint with the relevant state prosecutor for the offense of assault against a public official, along with two additional charges related to crimes against marriage, children, and the family. The man has been handed over to the prison warden of the Zadar Police Department within the legal timeframe. The incident highlights the complex interplay between law enforcement procedures and the welfare of animals in such situations. While the police emphasized the necessity of ensuring safety for both personnel and the vessel, the public reaction underscored concerns about the treatment of animals during police interventions. The police have reiterated that all actions taken were in accordance with established protocols aimed at maintaining order and preventing potential harm. They have also stressed the importance of collaboration with local authorities to ensure proper care for animals in similar circumstances. The case is currently under review by the state prosecutor, and further legal proceedings will follow based on the findings of the investigation. The police have urged the public to provide any additional information that could assist in the ongoing process.