Off-Duty K9 Fatally Shot After Attacking Alpaca: Hillsborough Sheriff

LITHIA, FL — A police canine that attacked an alpaca was shot and killed by a neighbor while off-duty Monday night, Hillsborough County authorities said Tuesday.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said Master Deputy Charles Perdomo let canine Brooks out for a bathroom break around 9:30 p.m. when the canine jumped the yard's fence and ran into a wooded area behind the home.

About 30 minutes later, authorities said a neighbor at Amber Lane in Lithia saw Brooks attacking his alpaca for unknown reasons.

The neighbor, who did not know Brooks was with the sheriff's office, tried to scare Brooks away by firing a shotgun, authorities said. When the attempt failed, authorities said the neighbor then fired a second time and killed Brooks.

The alpaca suffered a minor injury in its leg, authorities said.

"We are heartbroken over the loss of K9 Brooks, a dedicated and courageous member of our HCSO family," Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a news release. "The unbreakable bond between a K9 and their partner is like no other, making this loss even more heartbreaking. Our thoughts are with deputy Perdomo and all those affected."

The sheriff's office said it is thoroughly reviewing the circumstances surrounding Brooks' death. It is unknown if any charges will be pressed in the case.