- March 10, 2026
A Palm Coast dog is recovering after being shot by a Flagler County Sheriff’s Office deputy while responding to an animal complaint at a home on Farraday Lane.
According to sheriff’s reports, deputies were called to the residence on March 8 regarding concerns about two dogs being kept outside in poor conditions. When a deputy arrived and checked the backyard, he reported seeing two dogs confined inside wire crates. Inside the crates were scattered food and dried dog feces, and the water bowls were empty. Both dogs were also barking aggressively, according to the report.
The deputy then instructed the homeowner’s 15-year-old son to bring the dogs inside the house. However, the situation quickly escalated when the animals got loose.
Witnesses told investigators the dogs ran out of the backyard and toward the deputy as he walked down the driveway. According to witness statements in the report, the black dog ran toward the deputy aggressively and jumped at him. The deputy then fired two shots.
After the shooting, the wounded dog identified as Bear ran inside the residence. Deputies later located the animal in a bathroom and called for assistance to get the dog to emergency veterinary care.
Caroline Johnson, director of the Saving Missing Animal Response Team (SMART) Animal Rescue, responded to the scene and transported Bear to East Coast Animal Hospital.
Johnson described Bear’s condition when she first arrived.
“Bear was in the tub, a lot of blood, struggling to breathe, a lot of heavy breathing and gasping,” Johnson said. “He was very weak.”
Johnson and others attempted to move the injured dog from the bathroom to a transport vehicle so he could receive treatment. During that effort, the dog bit one of the deputies who was helping lift him.
Despite the severity of his injuries, Bear has shown encouraging signs of recovery since arriving at the animal hospital.
Johnson said the dog’s condition has improved significantly thanks to the care he has received.
“I’m so happy to see the progress he’s made in the last 48 hours,” Johnson said. “He was up walking around. His strength is coming back.”
Bear is still recovering from injuries that included a lung injury, but Johnson said his attitude and spirit remain strong.
Veterinary bills for Bear’s care have already climbed to about $7,000. According to Johnson, the dog’s family cannot afford the cost of treatment, so SMART Animal Rescue has stepped in to cover the expenses while appealing to the community for help.
Bear’s recovery remains ongoing as veterinarians continue to monitor his injuries and progress.
