In a tragic incident, an off-duty deputy fatally shot a family’s 3-year-old dog in front of its distraught owner on January 6, 2023. The incident occurred in the backyard of a home in Vancleave, Mississippi. According to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, the deputy was assisting a neighbor with a trespasser when the dog got loose and ran towards him. The deputy, fearing for his safety, opened fire, killing the dog instantly. The devastated homeowner, identified as Misty Bounds, witnessed the shooting and called 911 in horror. Bounds told authorities that her dog, named Zoey, was a friendly and harmless pet who had never shown aggression towards anyone. “She was my baby,” Bounds said through tears. “She didn’t deserve to die like this.” The deputy involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave while authorities investigate the incident. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is also conducting an independent probe. The sheriff’s office declined to comment on the case, citing the ongoing investigation. However, Sheriff Mike Ezell expressed his condolences to the family and promised a thorough and impartial investigation. The incident has sparked outrage and anger in the community. Many are questioning why the deputy resorted to lethal force, especially against a small and non-threatening dog. “This was an unnecessary and tragic killing,” said animal rights activist Martha Sterling. “There were other options the deputy could have taken, such as using a taser or pepper spray.” Zoey’s death has left a void in the Bounds family’s hearts. They are calling for justice for their beloved pet and demanding accountability from the authorities involved.Tragedy in Casselberry: Family Mourns Rottweiler Shot by Off-Duty DeputyTragedy in Casselberry: Family Mourns Rottweiler Shot by Off-Duty Deputy A Florida family is devastated after their three-year-old Rottweiler, Cash, was shot and killed by an off-duty deputy. The incident occurred on Monday night in the Casselberry neighborhood. Hannah Martin and her boyfriend Erick Palma, Cash’s owners, were walking the dog when he charged towards the deputy and his own dog. Palma attempted to call out that Cash was harmless, but the deputy fired one shot, striking the Rottweiler. According to an incident report obtained by Fox 35, the deputy believed that Cash was attacking his dog and fired out of fear for its safety. However, Palma disputes this claim, stating that Cash did not bite or harm the other dog. The report states that the deputy brought his injured dog home before returning to Cash with medical supplies. By that time, the owners had already taken Cash to a veterinary clinic, where he succumbed to his injuries. Palma expressed disbelief and anger at the situation. “He didn’t give Cash or me a chance to see how we could diffuse this situation without killing,” he told Fox 35. The Seminole County Sheriff’s Office has declined to file charges in the incident, stating that the deputy was a dog lover and did not intend for things to end this way. However, Cash’s owners have indicated that they plan to file a lawsuit. “Cash was loved by so many people,” they said. “This is something not only affecting us, but also our friends as well. It’s just such a tragic ending.” The Sheriff’s Office has not yet responded to a request for comment from The Independent.A tragic incident occurred in a residential neighborhood, where an off-duty deputy fatally shot a 3-year-old dog in front of its horrified owner. The dog, a small and beloved family pet, escaped from its home and ran loose in the street. As the off-duty deputy approached the dog, an altercation ensued. The dog reportedly barked and lunged at the deputy, prompting him to draw his firearm and discharge a single shot. The bullet struck the dog and killed it instantly. The homeowner, who witnessed the shooting unfold, was distraught and expressed disbelief at the deputy’s actions. He claimed that his dog was not aggressive and posed no threat to the officer. Neighbors and community members gathered at the scene, expressing outrage and demanding answers. The deputy involved in the shooting was placed on administrative leave pending an internal investigation. Authorities are urging residents to keep their pets leashed and under control, while also reminding law enforcement officers of their duty to use proportionate force when faced with potentially dangerous situations. The tragic loss of a beloved family pet has raised concerns about the use of lethal force by officers and the safety of innocent animals in our communities.