Deerfield-News.com-Deerfiedl Beach, FL-The following was just received this morning from BSO. It is the report of the dog shooting incident in the Markham section of Century Village East,
Broward County Sheriff`s Office 10-2512-000792
Date / Time Reported
Fri 12/05/2025 09:38
Victim Offense
MINOR, CLARA BELLE SHOOTING / UNLAWFUL DISCHARGE
REPORTING OFFICER NARRATIVE
On December 5th, 2025, I was dispatched to 288 Markham M, Deerfield Beach, FL, in reference to a reported
shooting involving a dog attack.
Upon deputies` arrival, we were advised that a white Shih Tzu belonging to Clara Minor ran out of the residence
without a leash. As Virginia Ranieri was walking her brown Pitbull, the Pitbull began attacking the Shih Tzu.
It was reported by multiple neighbors that they attempted to stop the attack by striking the Pitbull on the head, but
their attempts were unsuccessful. Neighbors, who were screaming and fearful due to the severity of the attack,
observed an unknown white male approach the dogs and possibly shoot the Pitbull. At the time of the initial
response, deputies did not have identifying information regarding the male who discharged the firearm.
During the course of the investigation, contact was made with Marcus Shawn Pfenninger . Marcus
advised that when he observed both dogs fighting, and both owners on the ground screaming, he went inside his
residence. Marcus stated he entered his closet, retrieved his black .25 caliber Remington handgun, and proceeded
back outside to where the dogs were fighting. Marcus stated that he fired one round to the sky attempting to get the
Pitbull`s attention which it did not work and he decided to shoot a second time, striking the Pitbull on its back.
Marcus further stated that he has some dog-training experience and had initially attempted to stop the attack before
shooting the Pitbull. Marcus advised that he believed he needed to protect his neighbors and the Shih Tzu from
further injury, which led him to discharge his firearm.
Let it be known that Clara was transported to North Broward Hospital for a
It should be noted that medical personnel later
The Pitbull was also transported to the nearest animal hospital.
An animal control form was completed and emailed.
Sgt Van Der Ems was on scene.
Reporting Officer: SOLARTE, K. Y. Printed By: BS19484, BS19484 01/12/2026 15:46 Page 4
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