A Florida man is facing charges after he broke into a neighbor’s home and fatally shot their dog after the pet bit a young child, authorities said.
Read more What’s open and closed in South Florida during the U.S.’ 250th anniversary?
Miguel Reyes Rodriguez, 32, is charged with aggravated cruelty to animals, armed burglary of a dwelling and discharging a firearm in public or on residential property, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office officials said Monday.
The alleged incident happened Saturday after the dog bit the child, but the child wasn’t injured and the dog had been separated and brought inside its home, officials said.
Read more Margate elementary school teacher arrested for bringing stun gun on campus, cops say
That’s when Reyes Rodriguez armed himself with a rifle, entered the neighbor’s home and fatally shot the dog, authorities said.
Reyes Rodriguez was booked into jail.
“This incident could have been handled through lawful and appropriate channels,” Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement. “Instead, this individual chose to arm himself, unlawfully enter another person’s home, and kill their pet. No one has the right to take the law into their own hands, and we will hold those who commit criminal acts accountable.”
Read more Man arrested after shooting outside McDonald’s in Hallandale Beach, police say