A deputy was forced to shoot a dog in Lauderdale Lakes after it bit a man and then attempted to attack the deputy, authorities reported yesterday. Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO) and Broward Sheriff's Fire Rescue were called to the 3900 block of Northwest 35th Avenue, following reports of a dog bite incident, as detailed by NBC Miami. A neighbor, recounting the harrowing moments, told NBC, "They rush him and when I looked, I said, 'Oh my God, they’re gonna kill him'."
Upon arrival, deputies came upon the dog, resulting in one of the animals being injured by gunfire after its aggressive confrontation towards an officer. The man who suffered the dog bites was transported to an area hospital for medical attention while the wounded dog was taken into the care of Broward County Animal Care. It appears the deputy involved in the shooting incident wasn't injured, CBS News Miami reported. BSO's Internal Affairs is currently leading an investigation into the shooting.
Further reports from CBS News Miami reveal that the owner of the dogs voluntarily surrendered the two dogs involved in the attack, and an additional dog, to Broward County Animal Care. According to a source with the agency, the measure was taken due to the severity of the victim's injuries. "We secured possession of three dogs (American Staffshire Terriers). Only two were involved in the incident. Both will be humanely euthanized," Broward County Animal Care stated.
The deputy who fired at the dog did so after being confronted by the animal, leading to a non-lethal injury described as a graze to the dog's midsection. Although not harmed, the deputy's quick decision has sparked an Internal Affairs investigation to ascertain the appropriateness of the response. The victim's condition, following the attack, has not been updated since the incident, with details on the extent of his injuries still pending. The investigation of the overall incident remains ongoing.
