A court in Michigan has ruled that police officers can shoot dogs that pose an “imminent threat” during the execution of a search warrant.

The federal ruling extends to police officers throughout the country, according to WSBT.

It follows an incident in Battle Creek three years ago where police shot and killed two dogs while searching a home for drugs. Berrien County Chief Deputy Robert Boyce told WSBT that the decision is never made lightly, and an attempt to isolate the animal without harming it is always the objective.

Officers undergo specific training in Berrien County to learn how to do just that, similar to training that happens across the country.