HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – A 41-year-old man is behind bars facing multiple felony charges after deputies say he took the law into his own hands, shooting and killing a dog he claimed was responsible for the death of his own pet.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) responded to a call regarding a shooting on the 15300 block of Otto Road at approximately 8:09 a.m. on Wednesday, January 7, 2026.
Upon arrival, deputies encountered Aaron Allen, who allegedly admitted to the shooting immediately. According to investigators, Allen stated he shot the 4-year-old pit bull in retaliation for an incident that occurred the previous day. Allen told deputies the pit bull had attacked his 16-year-old Pomeranian on Tuesday.
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Both animals have died from their respective injuries.
Sheriff Chad Chronister issued a strong rebuke of the vigilante-style response, emphasizing that citizens cannot bypass the legal system to settle disputes.
“Acts of violence against animals are unacceptable and will not be tolerated in our community,” Sheriff Chronister said. “No one has the right to take matters into their own hands in this way, and we will hold those responsible fully accountable.”
Allen was taken into custody and faces several serious charges, including Aggravated Cruelty to Animals with a Weapon, Armed Trespassing, Discharge of a Firearm on Residential Property, and Shooting into a Building.
The Sheriff’s Office noted that this remains an active investigation.
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