FL: Deputy shoots and kills man's pet

ST. PETERSBURG — A week after a 9-year-old mutt named Smoke was felled by a deputy's bullets, the animal's death has provoked public outrage and led to investigations by police and animal advocates.

It began last Tuesday night when deputies went to Hutts' Suncove Apartments mobile home at 28th Street N, looking for the source of a burglary call.

Hutts came to the door with Smoke, who began barking. Deputy Robert McGuire told Hutts to secure the dog inside while he questioned her outside. But the dog got back outside.

McGuire said he feared Smoke was going to bite or attack him, so he drew his gun from his holster and shot the dog twice.

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