Leesburg man arrested for shooting puppy being trained as service dog

According to Leesburg police, a nine-month-old puppy is recovering from numerous surgeries after a man shot him in the mouth because he allegedly feared for his life.

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Peter Lynch, 24, is accused of animal cruelty after a witness and a surveillance camera showed him lunging at the dog before pulling the trigger, his affidavit said.

Officers said they were called to Value Pawn on West North Blvd. on Aug. 6 in response to the witness' call. When they arrived, Lynch told them the German Shepherd and another dog “charged at him,” although officers noted he did not call 9-1-1 himself or report the shooting.

Investigators said surveillance video showed Lynch pointing his gun at the dogs as they approached him from 40 feet away, wagging their tails.

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The report said the dogs backed away and ran into the tall grass. Officers said Lynch “charged” them twice, then walked toward them, shone a flashlight into the grass and opened fire.

Officials said the owner reported the dogs escaped and that the injured dog was enrolled in training as a service animal. At no point during the encounter did either dog bark or display aggressive behavior, the report said.

Lynch was released from Lake County Jail on bail and is due back in court in October.

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