Shooting of Goldendoodle puppy in Brevard County sparks outcry

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. - A Goldendoodle puppy named Maui is recovering after being shot in Brevard County, leaving residents demanding answers.

According to the sheriff’s office, deputies found Maui lying on a sidewalk after the shooting. The man who shot the dog left the scene but later called 911, claiming the dog was aggressive and tried to bite him.

"A dog came out of nowhere, rushed toward me and my dog, and almost bit me, so I shot and killed it," the man told the dispatcher.

Sheriff Wayne Ivey said the man acted out of fear for his safety and the safety of his own dog.

MORE STORIES:

• 1 hurt in shooting at Kissimmee apartment complex, suspect sought, deputies say
• Florida woman stabbed up to 70 times in Seminole County home by estranged boyfriend, deputies say
• Tyre Sampson's family awarded $310M in son's fall death from Orlando FreeFall ride
• Neighbors react after Titusville police shoot, kill man following alleged domestic violence incident
• Family of Embry-Riddle student awarded $4 million in wrongful death lawsuit
• Half-naked Florida man ‘high on meth’ breaks into home, grabs resident's carpet cleaner: Police

Maui’s owner confirmed that the puppy had escaped its leash and ran toward the man. She described Maui as playful but admitted she was unable to regain control of him during the incident.

Maui underwent surgery and is expected to recover.

The case remains under investigation and will be referred to the State Attorney’s Office to determine whether charges will be filed.

STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO:

• Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines
• Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar
• Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines
• FOX Local: Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV