Charges and court status
Scott Brunson, 41, was arrested after a shooting at his Goodyear home and faces charges of animal cruelty, disorderly conduct with a weapon and discharging a firearm within city limits, according to Arizona Republic reporting on court records. A judge ordered him released on his own recognizance. The report says he is due back in court Nov. 9.
Arizona law classifies discharging a firearm within a municipality with criminal negligence as a class 6 felony, subject to exceptions set out in the statute, according to the Arizona Legislature.
What records and interviews say
The shooting took place Oct. 24, according to the Republic’s account. Court records described in the report say Brunson took a .22 pistol and pursued Lucy through the home. Taylor Brunson told the outlet she stepped between her husband and the dog, was pushed aside and then directed the children to a bedroom. She said she heard a gunshot and Lucy whimper, followed by more shots; court records describe about four or five shots fired in succession.
Taylor Brunson told the Republic that she saw the couple’s other dog, 11-year-old Zoe, shaking in the hallway afterward and called 911. Officers set up a perimeter, and Scott Brunson surrendered. During a protective sweep, officers found Lucy dead on the kitchen floor near several spent casings, the report says. Brunson told police he was “protecting his family” and declined to comment further to the Republic; he also declined to comment to 12News.
Accounts of the incident and its aftermath
Taylor Brunson told 12News and the Republic that her 7-year-old son, from a previous relationship, had a friend over while the couple planned to clean their garage. She said Lucy, their 8-year-old dog, nipped the friend as he ran past, but the child was not injured. Taylor said she did not believe the dog’s behavior justified her husband’s response.
According to the Republic, Taylor Brunson said she obtained an order of protection, hired an attorney to begin divorce proceedings and spoke with a realtor about selling the home. She said she and her son want to move and plan to seek counseling. Taylor also said Lucy could have been taken to a shelter or rehomed instead of being shot.
County surrender and rehoming resources
Maricopa County Animal Care and Control accepts owner surrenders from county residents by appointment. Appointments are limited to two per day, Tuesday through Saturday, and depend on kennel space and special circumstances, according to Maricopa County Animal Care and Control. This general information does not establish what options were available or pursued in this case. The county also lists self-rehoming resources, but cautions that the information may not be current and advises people to contact providers to confirm whether they can help, according to its rehoming and surrender resource list. The published information does not specify temporary-care options.
