Volusia man arrested after pit bull shooting, claimed it was ‘aggressive’

Douglas Matney, 21, faces charge of animal cruelty

Douglas Everett Matney, 21 (Volusia County Jail)

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – A Daytona Beach man was arrested after he allegedly shot his dog last week, according to the police department.

In a release on Monday, police said that officers responded to 884 S. Nova Road on Friday after receiving a report about a dog that had been shot by its owner.

Recommended Videos



Upon arrival, officers found Douglas Matney, 21, who admitted to shooting his 2-year-old pit bull mix named “Zola” because she had been “aggressive” toward him, the release states.

However, investigators said that Matney hadn’t sought treatment for Zola, and officers found the dog lying on the bedroom floor, wrapped in a “urine-soaked blanket.” Police added that a wound was found on her right cheek, which appeared consistent with a gunshot.

[EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (it’s FREE) | PINIT! Share your photos]

As a result, Matney was taken into custody and faces a felony charge of cruelty to animals. He was released the next day on a bond of $5,000.

“Thankfully, Zola is in stable condition,” the release reads. “She is currently unable to walk due to her injuries, but she is expected to survive.”


Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: