An Army veteran shot and killed a pit bull in the parking lot of Fernandina Beach Animal Clinic after it escaped its collar and attacked his service dog, according to Fernandina Beach Police.
Police say witnesses reported that the 70-year-old owner of the restrained dog twice threatened to shoot the pit bull if it could not be restrained by its handlers.
After continued attempts to restrain the dog failed, police say the victim dog’s owner- who holds a valid Florida Concealed Firearms License- produced a .38 caliber handgun and fired twice at the pit bull from close range, killing the animal.
Police say the service dog, a Weimaraner named Betty Boop, was not seriously injured, but did sustain visible scratches as a consequence of the incident.
FBPD says that it is legal to shoot and kill an aggressive dog if it is believed that the animal poses a physical threat against a person or domestic animal.
When interviewed by police, the veteran said he felt strongly that his dog would have been killed had he not intervened.
The pit bull had reportedly been taken to the animal clinic for ring worn treatment. At this time, police say there are no indications the dog had previously been determined to be dangerous.
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