Tampa man charged with animal cruelty after detectives fatally shoot his dogs

TAMPA — The 23-year-old man whose two pit bulls were shot by sheriff's deputies Wednesday morning was blamed for the dogs' deaths and charged with animal cruelty.

Garrett Ryan McGall, of 1221 N Valrico Road, was arrested at about 10 a.m. Wednesday. Deputies went to his house to serve a probation violation warrant related to convictions for burglary, grand theft and giving false information on a pawn form.

When detectives arrived, they said McGall ignored their orders that he secure his six pit bulls.

Detectives tried spraying the dogs with pepper spray, but it seemed to have no effect. When two of the dogs lunged at two detectives, they shot and killed them.

Before the dogs died, they "suffered for a short time," and their "unnecessary pain" was attributed to McGall's refusal to secure them, according to an arrest affidavit.

McGall was taken to the Hillsborough County jail on charges of violating probation, animal cruelty, resisting arrest with violence and aggravated assault with a weapon, his dogs.

He remains behind bars without bail.

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