Volusia man taken into custody for shooting pit bull, stating it was behaving aggressively

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 mentioned that they had responded to 884 S. Nova Road on Friday following a report concerning a dog being shot by its owner.

Upon reaching the location, officers encountered Douglas Matney, 21, who confessed to shooting his 2-year-old pit bull mix, “Zola,” citing her alleged aggression towards him as the reason for his actions.

Investigators highlighted that Matney had not taken any steps to get medical help for Zola, and upon inspection, the dog was found in a distressed state on the bedroom floor, covered in a blanket soaked with urine. The police also noted a wound on Zola’s right cheek, indicating it was likely caused by a gunshot.

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.”