ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The agency confirmed one of its dogs died recently, and Channel 9’s Jeff Deal received a tip that the dog died in the back of a hot car parked at a deputy’s home.
The dog was under the care of 20-year law enforcement veteran Deputy Dermot Hannon.
Deal found a photo on the Sheriff's Office Facebook page from two years ago showing a red fox Labrador named Ruby, indicating she was paired with Hannon and used for narcotics detection.
The Sheriff's Office wouldn't confirm Ruby is the dog that died.
A neighbor said the dog seemed to be well cared for and had a nice play area in the backyard, They were told the dog died at the home around the same time as the Pulse nightclub shooting, but didn't know if it was in a vehicle.
A Sheriff's Office spokesperson said the dog’s death is being investigated and at some point, an internal investigation will be launched.
Hannon's status has not changed.
Animal Services said it is not involved in the investigation.