Dog killing in Hidden Valley under investigation

Pinal County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a dog killing in Hidden Valley this morning. 

PCSO deputies responded to a home on West Fleetwood Road where a dog was shot around 8 a.m., according to PCSO spokesperson Lauren Reimer. 

Tru, the 2-year-old pit bull, was brought to a veterinarian clinic where he died. 

“He was such a good, loving dog,” Ryan Aubrey, 46, said of Tru.  

His girlfriend, 33-year-old Rachel Disnard came with him, a copy of Tru’s paw prints in hand. Her clothing was soaked with Tru’s blood. 

“He was more than a dog,” Aubrey said. “I’ve had like 30 dogs in my life, this one was very important.” 

Aubrey said Tru’s brother, Buddy, was also shot and killed on the property. A memorial stands over where Buddy was buried. 

Aubrey accused his neighbors of bullying and harassment and said they threatened to kill the dogs in the past. He said the neighbors shot directly at him and Disnard before. PCSO did not immediately confirm it responded to the property before. 

Aubrey told InMaricopa he feels vulnerable because he and Disnard live in a car on the property. 

“There’s a good chance that we will get killed if we don’t leave,” Aubrey said. 

The circumstances behind Tru’s killing and whether it was legal remain nebulous. 

A Pinal County Animal Care and Control official, who refused to identify herself, said Tru was off the property when he was shot. 

The PCACC official said it was unclear who shot the dog, or why, citing if it had been attacking livestock, someone would be legally justified to shoot it. 

“Deputies are still conducting follow-ups on this call,” Reimer said, “no further details are available at this time.” 

This is a breaking story and InMaricopa will provide more updates as information becomes available.