BROOKSVILLE - A 52-year-old man was arrested after he was accused of attacking and killing his pit bull during an intoxicated rage, authorities said. Hernando County sheriff's deputies found Juergen H. Loeffler's 50-pound dog dead in the front yard of his Peyton Place residence, west of Brooksville, about 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Witnesses who live across the street told authorities that the incident began after Loeffler tried to coax them into letting their dogs fight, a sheriff's report said. When the neighbors refused, Loeffler allegedly began to kick and choke his brown pit bull, a report stated. Once the dog was unable to stand, Loeffler allegedly yanked the dog in the air by its chain and shook it so violently that witnesses believe it broke the dog's neck. When authorities arrived at the scene, Loeffler cursed officers and admitted that he killed the dog, the report said. Officials from Hernando County Animal Control also responded to the scene and took custody of Loeffler's four other dogs. Loeffler was arrested and charged with cruelty to animals, resulting in death - a felony. He was being held at Hernando County Jail on $5,000 bail. While in custody, Loeffler continued his violent behavior until he was sprayed with mace and placed in isolation, the report said.
