The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office is investigating who shot and killed a pit bull mix dog in Loxahatchee over the weekend.
Owners of the dog, named Tinder, told investigators they let the dog out at approximately 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, March 13, and later discovered the dog’s body after it didn’t return home, according to a news release from PBSO.
The animal control officer who responded to the incident said the dog was likely shot in the shoulder, with the bullet exiting the head.
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PBSO noted in their release that the animal control officer told the dog’s owners that, if their pet had entered someone else’s property and appeared to pose a threat, that person would legally be allowed to use deadly force on the animal.
The dog’s owner told CBS12 News they are heartbroken and have no idea why someone would hurt their pet.
PBSO detectives are investigating the incident.