Roxy, dog at center of deadly Port St. Lucie shooting has been euthanized

Roxy, dog at center of deadly Port St. Lucie shooting has been euthanized

 

Roxy, the female bullmastiff at the center of a dispute between neighbors that led to a deadly shooting  has been euthanized, Port St. Lucie police said.

Following is a synopsis of the dangerous dog investigation:

On March 4, 2020 at around 11:19 am, a Port St Lucie Animal Control Officer responded to 2501 SE Morningside Boulevard for reports of a dog bite.  The animal control officer learned the victim (Mrs. Hansman) was walking the family dog “Rucca” (white female Poodle/mix); in her backyard when the neighbor’s dog “Roxy” who was unleashed; attacked her dog. Mrs. Hansman attempted to separate the dogs by sitting on Roxy and while doing so she was bit several times. Rucca also was bit and had multiple puncture wounds to the neck and legs. Both Mrs. Hansman and Rucca sought medical attention.

The animal control officer proceeded to speak with Roxy’s owner (Ronald Delserro) who explained he was not present during the attack, however his wife (Mrs. Delserro) witnessed the attack, but she was not home to explain what happened.  The animal control officer verified vaccine documentation and also noted Mr. and Mrs. Delserro failed to comply with City Ordinance 92.03(a) (All domestic pets must be properly restrained at all times while outside the confines of the owner’s home). It was at this time Mr. Delserro was told his dog (Roxy) must be home quarantined and further investigation would determine if the dog would be deemed a dangerous dog.  Mr. Delserro understood and signed the home quarantine agreement form explaining the dog (Roxy) would be quarantined from March 4, 2020 – March 14, 2020.

On March 5, 2020 at around 3:35 pm, animal control responded to 2501 SE Morningside Boulevard for reports of a dog at large. Animal control met with Mrs. Hansman again, who explained Roxy was unsupervised; running around in her fenced yard.  Mrs. Hansman provided animal control with videos she created of Roxy. Animal control officer revisited Mr. and Mrs. Delserro’s residence to advise them of the ongoing violations. Mrs. Delserro denied Roxy being loose, but was informed Roxy was seen on video; unsupervised. A decision was made by animal control to remove Roxy for the remainder of the quarantine period to ensure there would be no additional violation of the quarantine agreement. Roxy was transported by Mrs. Delserro to the Animal Control Compound.

Per Florida State Statute 767, on March 8, 2020 a dangerous dog investigation was initiated based on previous information received by the parties involved. 

On March 8, 2020, animal control officer responded to 2501 SE Morningside Boulevard and obtained medical reports detailing Mrs. Hansman and Rucca’s injuries. In addition, the animal control officer provided witness affidavits to Mrs. Hansman and her daughter (Harper Hansman) detailing the facts about the incident. The officer also met with Mrs. Delserro at her residence and informed her of the ongoing dangerous dog investigation. The officer provided Mrs. Delserro with a witness affidavit to fill out and return when completed. Mrs. Delserro was asked to relay the updated information to Mr. Delserro.

On March 11, 2020 at around 8:30 am, animal control officer conducted a follow-up at 2501 SE Morningside Boulevard in reference to the dangerous dog investigation.  Animal control officers advised Mrs. Hansman that Roxy was going to remain in the kennel until the outcome of the dangerous dog investigation. Animal control officers also visited with Mrs. Delserro and explained that Roxy would not be released to her when the quarantine is over on March 14, 2020 and would remain in the care of animal control officers until the outcome of the investigation. Mrs. Delserro understood and provided animal control with her witness affidavit. 

On March 15, 2020, animal control visited 2499 SE Morningside Boulevard and met with Mr. and Mrs. Delserro to serve them with initial dangerous dog documents and both were informed on the process for contesting the declaration, waiving their right to a hearing and the requirements that need to be met should Roxy be classified as a dangerous dog. Mr. and Mrs. Delserro elected to contest the declaration and signed a document stating that.  They also wrote and signed a letter requesting a hearing to contest the dangerous dog declaration.

On March 17, 2020, Roxy was released to Mr. and Mrs. Delserro and they were informed they needed to abide by the restrictions set forth in Florida State Statute 767.12 until the resolution of their hearing and any appeals related to the dangerous dog investigation.

March 27, 2020 at around 2:27 pm, animal control was dispatched to 2501 SE Morningside Boulevard for reports of the neighbor’s violating the restrictions regarding the dangerous dog investigation.  Animal control officers made contact with Mrs. Delserro who mentioned her husband Mr. Delserro placed Roxy inside of the vehicle and took her for a “joyride” and she believed this was within the allowed restrictions. Mrs. Delserro once again was informed of the dangerous dog restrictions. 

On March 30, 2020, animal control officer responded to a complaint in regard to Roxy’s owners not abiding by their restrictions where Roxy was unsupervised and unleashed.  Mr. and Mrs. Delserro denied the violations, but video proved otherwise, therefore they were issued a dangerous dog citation for failure to monitor Roxy. 

On June 24, 2020, Mrs. Hansman and her daughter, Harper, were at the hearing testifying. Special Magistrate found the dog, a female gray Italian Mastiff “Roxy”, is a dangerous dog pursuant to Florida Statutes 767.12. 

On July 1, 2020, at around 5:42 pm, animal control went to 2499 SE Morningside Boulevard to meet with Mr. and Mrs. Delserro and provided them with the final declaration letter. Mrs Delserro signed the documents acknowledging receipt, however Mr. Delserro refused to sign any documents. 

July 7, 2020, at around 12:39 pm, Mrs. Delserro (owner of Roxy) contacted the Animal Control Office and stated she wished to surrender her dog Roxy as she was leaving town.  Mrs. Delserro met with the animal control administrator and signed the Owner Turn In form.  As the owner with rights to the dog; she gave consent for Roxy to be euthanized. This would officially conclude the ongoing dangerous dog investigation

On July 8, 2020 at approximately 11:00 am, Roxy was transported to a veterinary clinic and humanely euthanized.  Per the wishes of Mrs. Delserro, Roxy’s body was transported to a local cremation facility.

 

 

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