A 72-year-old man in Rockledge, Florida is facing charges after he shot and killed his dog. The incident occurred after he became upset that Florida Power & Light had not restored his power following Hurricane Milton. Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey criticized the man for his actions, stating that he had evil in his heart, was intoxicated, and couldn’t control his emotions.
The shooting took place around 4 a.m. on October 12th, with the man firing his gun inside his home out of frustration. His dog, named Flick, was unfortunately shot and later succumbed to his injuries. Despite the tragic outcome, the man showed no remorse for his actions, blaming the power outage for his behavior.
After the incident, the man went to his neighbor’s house to call 911, but did not attempt to provide aid to his injured pet. When law enforcement arrived, he admitted to shooting his gun twice. The dog was rushed to a nearby vet but tragically did not survive.
The man, identified as John Burgos, is now facing charges including shooting a missile into a dwelling, animal cruelty, and use of a firearm under the influence of alcohol. Sheriff Ivey emphasized that the man’s actions were inexcusable, regardless of the circumstances. Burgos is currently being held without bond as the legal proceedings continue.
This disturbing case serves as a reminder of the consequences of letting emotions and alcohol cloud one’s judgment. It is essential to seek help and support in times of distress rather than resorting to violence. Animals rely on their owners for love and protection, and it is our responsibility to ensure their well-being at all times.
As the community processes this tragic event, it is crucial to come together to support initiatives that promote responsible pet ownership and mental health awareness. By working together, we can prevent similar incidents from happening in the future and create a safer environment for both humans and animals alike.
