HCSO K-9 Shot After Alpaca Attack: Tragic Incident in Lithia, Florida

HCSO K-9 Shot After Alpaca Attack

In a tragic incident in Lithia, Florida, a K-9 with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office was shot and killed after jumping a fence and attacking an alpaca. The incident occurred on Monday around 9:30 p.m. when Master Deputy Charles Perdomo let his K-9, Brooks, outside for a bathroom break in his fenced yard.

Brooks managed to jump the fence and ran into the woods behind the deputy’s home, where he was found attacking a neighbor’s alpaca. The neighbor, unaware that Brooks was a K-9 with the sheriff’s office, fired a warning shot. When the attack continued, he was forced to shoot the dog, according to HCSO.

Sheriff Chad Chronister expressed his sadness over the loss of K9 Brooks, stating, “The unbreakable bond between a K9 and their partner is like no other, making this loss even more heartbreaking.”

Retired K-9 Unit officer and handler, Matthew Palmer, described the incident as rare and tragic, emphasizing that dogs have natural instincts that can sometimes lead to unfortunate situations.

HCSO is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The alpaca involved in the incident is receiving treatment for a minor leg injury.

This story was reported with information from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. Stay connected with FOX 13 Tampa for updates on this developing story.