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Dog Used For 'Target Practice'; Owner In Disbelief

News Channel 8 photo by RUGENE MOORE

Owner Gerald Scott holds Lady, who had surgery Tuesday after being shot in what police describe as a random act of violence. The family needed help to pay for Lady's $800 operation.

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By CHIP OSOWSKI | News Channel 8
and JOSH POLTILOVE | The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 10, 2008

Updated: 12/10/2008 12:36 pm

TAMPA - A day after Gerald Scott found his family dog shot, he still can't believe it.

He said today he heard a gunshot Tuesday and came out of the house on 39th Street in Tampa to find the dog, Lady, with a gunshot wound. The bullet traveled through Lady's chest and into her right front leg, Scott said.

The dog had been outside briefly to go to the bathroom, he said.

Tampa police say one of three teenagers gathered outside the Scott home pulled a gun and fired at the 9-month-old pit bull mix about 5:30 p.m. Tuesday. Officer Adam York said a witness saw the boys casually walk down the street and shoot the dog. A witness heard the boys laughing as they ran off, police say.

York said the shooting appears to be a random act of violence, with the dog being used for "target practice."

Investigators are searching for the trio but have only vague descriptions. Police say the attackers are in their late teens.

A witness told police the dog was peacefully wandering outside the home when the teens approached.

Scott's wife, Debra, saw the teens run away. She took the dog to an emergency veterinary clinic, where she was told Lady needed surgery to remove the bullet. The cost was $800, and doctors would not do the surgery without payment.

Scott, who recently spent all her extra savings for her father's funeral, could not afford the surgery.

York contacted Hillsborough County Animal Services, which agreed to pay part of the bill. Scott still must pay up to $250. The clinic agreed to release the dog to her on the condition of a payment plan, Debra Scott said.

Lady has undergone surgery, and doctors told Scott the dog would make it if there were no major complications. The bullet missed Lady's major organs.

Police are not saying what type of bullet was removed from the dog.

Scott said the ordeal has been tough on her family and that she has a hard time believing a group of teenagers could shoot her dog.

"They must be some sick people," she said.

She said the family doesn't bother anyone in the neighborhood and had done nothing to provoke anyone.

She said Lady is innocent, too.

"She's a happy little puppy," Scott said.

Anyone wishing to help the family can deliver or mail a check to Hillsborough County Animal Services, 440 Falkenburg Road, Tampa FL 33619. Checks should be made out to "B.O.C.C.," with "Animal Services" in the memo portion.

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