Collier County deputy shoots, kills dog

EAST NAPLES, Fla.- A couple is distraught after their family dog was shot and killed when a Collier County deputy responded to a domestic violence call.

The Collier County Sheriff’s Office says they’re reviewing the shooting to make sure all policies and procedures were followed, but Ben Zacks and Jessica Busse say the shooting could have been prevented.

“The dog, Alf, came out of the bedroom and the officer shot her in the face,” said Zacks.

Zacks says the deputy shot his 10-year old black lab several times. Several bullet holes and blood splatters are still visible in his apartment.

“She was my best friend,” said Zacks.

“It happened right in front of me, I’m shocked, I’ve never seen a firearm go off like that before,” said Busse.

The deputy was inside the apartment, watching Busse pack her belongings after the couple got into a fight and the neighbors called for help.

The deputy says the dog came out of the bedroom and started barking, growling and charging after him, so he shot the dog, saying he was in fear for his life.

“He was standing over there, that is more than one foot,” said Busse. “No, he was scared, he saw a big dog and he was scared. It’s okay to be scared, it’s okay, but give us a warning.”

After getting shot, the dog ran outside to the lake across the way.

“She did fall into the water, I immediately jumped in ’cause I’m going to do everything I can to keep her alive. I immediately jump in and what is so upsetting to me, is every single one of those officers were standing there watching as we were screaming,” said Busse.

The couple has hired a private investigator to look into the case.