BREMERTON, Wash. — Prosecutors have charged a man with shooting a muzzled, leashed dog at a Washington park.
The Kitsap Sun reports the suspect, who lives in Port Orchard, was charged Oct. 9 with first-degree animal cruelty. A warrant was issued Oct. 10 for his arrest.
Authorities say police were called Sept. 13 to the South Kitsap Community Park after witnesses reported hearing a gunshot and seeing a dog injured.
The dog's owner told authorities she had asked the suspect to leash his Chihuahua, which had been antagonizing her dog, described as a pit bull mix.
Following the shooting, a Kitsap County Sheriff's Office official said the man shot the dog because he felt threatened, but charging documents do not include a complete statement from the man.
The wounded dog, Dottie, survived the gunshot, but had to have a leg amputated.
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Associated Press
