Background: John Burgos. Inset: The gun Burgos allegedly used to shoot his dog (Brevard County Sheriff’s Office).
A Florida man is behind bars after he allegedly shot his dog to death because he was frustrated he had no power following Hurricane Milton.
Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey said the suspect, 72-year-old John Burgos, shot his dog, named Flick, around 4 a.m. Oct. 12. The hurricane had just blown through the Sunshine State and Burgos, like millions of others, was without electricity.
Ivey said Burgos was drunk when he shot Flick at his Rockledge home.
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“This one sickens me, folks. This is one of the most unnecessary things that could have ever happened,” he said.
Hurricane Milton made landfall on Florida’s west coast on Oct. 9, knocking out power to 3.4 million people. Florida Power & Light had yet to restore Burgos’ power nearly three days later. Burgos allegedly started shooting out of anger and hit the dog. Instead of calling 911, Burgos allegedly went over to his neighbor’s house, claiming he couldn’t find his phone. He called 911 from the neighbor’s home and told dispatchers he “thinks” he shot his dog, according to Ivey.
Deputies responded to the home and rushed Flick to an emergency animal hospital. Veterinarians worked on the dog but couldn’t save him.
“He still shows no remorse for what happened,” Ivey said. “He said when he was told that his dog had died ‘man, FP&L made me do that.’ No, you’re an idiot. That’s what made you do this. Not FP&L. Don’t be blaming other people for you killing your dog. You had evil in your heart. You were mad, you couldn’t control your emotions and you were drunk and you killed your dog.”
Burgos is facing charges of animal cruelty, using a firearm under the influence of alcohol and shooting in a dwelling. He’s at the Brevard County Jail without bond.
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