Man Shoots Dog During Attack in Bradenton

Stock photo, not the actual animal from story

BRADENTON -- Richard Rucker, 52 Bradenton, was walking his dog a few blocks west of the IHOP on U.S. 41 in Bradenton when a pit bull that had been chained to a tree at a domestic residence broke free and charged him, according to a report from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office. The pit reportedly began attacking Rucker's dog before coming toward him.

Rucker drew his legally carried pistol and put one round into the pit bull, who fled into the woods nearby. Deputies located the shot dog and euthanized it, after determining it had been mortally wounded. Animal Control then responded.