Florida Dog Shooting: Neighbor Shoots Labrador Retriever, Owner Wants ‘Justice For Bryar’

A dog shooting in Wedgefield, Florida has the owner wanting “justice for Bryar” after he claims his purported “crazy neighbor” gunned down his Labrador Retriever. [Update] In a followup article, the neighbor claims he is justified in shooting the dog based upon the circumstances.

In a related report by the Inquisitr, a pit bull shooting video shows a police officer killing a pit bull puppy from the first person perspective of a body camera. Although residents were outraged, and some called for the firing of the police officer, the police department claimed the shooting of the dog was justified.

On New Year’s Eve, Brock Evans says the evening was rainy and his wife was not able to close the gate fast enough before their dog, Bryar, dashed out onto the road. Normally this would not be a problem, but Evans claims his neighbor, William Moore, is well known in the local area for being an “irrational person.”

According to Evans, the confrontation started when Moore and his son sped up to Evans’ property in a truck. Screaming as he exited his vehicle, Moore allegedly complained that his own dog was in heat and said Bryar was chasing her around his yard. Moore allegedly threatened Evans, saying he would kill Bryar, and claimed that he had already shot at the dog twice.

“Bryar is a kind, docile pet that is super-friendly and well-behaved,” said Mr. Evans. “He would not hurt a fly. He’s a trained hunting dog, and probably did not run from the gunfire because he thought he was doing his job.”

The confrontation lasted about a minute, with Evans asking, “Why would you try to shoot my kid’s dog?” In response, Moore allegedly said, “You either cut his nuts off or I’ll kill him!” The neighbor then stormed off in his truck.

Evans says he rushed into his house, explained what was happening to his family, and then hurried to follow Moore back to his property. Upon arrival, Evans saw Moore’s wife, Ruth, backing out from their property and asked what was going on.

“My husband is very upset because your dog is chasing my dog around the yard,” she replied. Evans told her he believed the situation was a misunderstanding and said he wanted to bring Bryar home.

As soon as Evans finished his explanation, that’s when he says he heard three gunshots coming from the direction of the back of the Moore property. When the husband came marching down the driveway, Evans asked, “Did you shoot my dog?” Moore allegedly smirked and denied it, saying, “No, I did not shoot your dog.”

Evans apologized for thinking that Moore had shot his dog and for Bryar chasing their dog around their property. Evans recalls having a neighborly conversation and then the Moores’ son, Will, allegedly appeared, driving an ATV from the direction of the sound of the gunshots. After Will went inside the house, Evans apologized again, gave them his business card, and said that if his dog caused problems again then the Moore’s could call him and Evans would take care of it.

After shaking hands, Evans departed to go home in his own vehicle. But as he drove down the road he came upon Bryar laying near the edge of the property outside the fenced-in yard. Bryar was gasping for air, dying, and although Evans tried to save his dog, Bryar breathed his last. Because of the location of Bryar, Evans believes the dog shooting occurred when Bryar was not physically on the Moore household property.

Evans says he gathered up the dead body of his dog into his vehicle and then backed up into the driveway of the Moore property. Mr. Moore was still outside and Evans yelled, “You told me you didn’t shoot my dog.” In response, Moore became infuriated, approached the vehicle, but then stopped at the sight of the dead dog. Evans said, “My dog is riddled with gunshots; you shot my dog!” Moore denied this, allegedly saying, “I did not shoot your f**king dog!”

Since Moore denied shooting Bryar, Evans declared that the son must have shot the dog. Instead of denying this claim, Moore allegedly smirked and then said, “That’s what happened, I didn’t shoot him. I never said he [William P. Moore, Jeff’s son] didn’t do it.”

“Do you think this is funny?” asked Evans. “You hunted my dog down and killed him.”

The Evans family called 911 and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department dispatched animal control in addition to police officers. The police department is currently investigating the story and animal services will be performing a necropsy.

“Nothing will bring Bryar back,” said Evans. “My kids are devastated and I just want justice for Bryar.”

To see how William Moore responded to the police, please visit the link in this sentence.