MARION COUNTY, Fla. – Deputies in Marion County are asking for the public’s help in identifying those responsible for fatally shooting a family dog with an arrow.
On Jan. 26, the dog’s owners found their pet, a 5-year-old Golden Retriever named Bella, on the front porch of their home near SE Second Place and SE 170th Avenue with an arrow lodged in her body, according to a news release.
The family rushed Bella to UF Veterinary Hospital in Ocala, but due to the severity of the injuries, deputies said she had to be euthanized.
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Alex Gerber and his mother, Heather Kee, found Bella and were devastated.
“I was just like, ‘This dog is going to die right here on my porch, and I can’t do anything about it,’” Kee said.
The family contacted law enforcement, and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and Marion County Animal Control are investigating the incident as a potential case of animal cruelty.
“This is potentially a very heinous act that occurred to this animal,” an investigator said. “We are really looking for the public to come forward with any information so we can bring justice to this dog. It’s very unfortunate what she had to endure.”
The family remains hurt.
“I’m still pretty numb,” said Gerber, who added that Bella was known for her affectionate nature, describing her as a dog who “absolutely loved kids” and greeted strangers.
A witness told deputies they saw two men leaving the area in a brown, 1970s-80s Ford F-150 with wooden boards along the truck bed.
Animal control officers and sheriff’s deputies are actively investigating. Anyone with information is urged to report tips anonymously to CrimeStoppers at 352-368-STOP (7867).
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