Dog shot in backyard resulting in death Knoxville, TN (US) Incident Date: Thursday, Dec 21, 2006 County: Knox Local Map: available Disposition: Alleged Alleged: Camilo Torres Case Updates: 1 update(s) available

Case ID: 10417 Classification: Shooting Animal: dog (non pit-bull) View more cases in TN (US) Login to Watch this Case

A North Knoxville couple is upset over the death of one of their dogs. They say the dog was shot to death by a neighbor in their fenced-in backyard.

The shooting happened Dec 21 night on Susong Drive, just off Clinton Highway.

Elaine Ladue says she let her three dogs out into her backyard at around 7 p.m.

They had only been out a few minutes when she heard the pop of a gun.

"Nicky started yelping and crying and spinning in pain, and I yelled at Harold go help him he's hurt," Ladue said.

Nicky, a five year old male terrier-spaniel mix, had been shot.

"I picked him up to see what was going on that's when I saw the hole back by his hip," says the dogs other owner, Harold Smith.

Ladue called Knoxville police for help.

"They couldn't find anything, anybody they asked," says Ladue.

Nicky died Friday morning at the vet's office.

Ladue says she knows it was one of her neighbors who shot Nicky.

The problem is, Ladue says a number of different people live next door, in the upper house, basement and back shed. She's not sure which neighbor shot her dog and fears for her own safety.

"I'm terrified at this point. If they'll shoot an innocent dog in it's own yard, what will they do to me?" she asks.

Police told 6 News they are investigating this case. If they identify the suspect, he or she could be charged with animal cruelty.

"If I can press charges, I want them pressed to the fullest this is animal cruelty," says Ladue.

According to Tennessee law, aggravated cruelty including death to animals with no justifiable purpose, is a class "E" felony punishable with a maximum fine up to $3,000 dollars and six years in prison.

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References

	WATE - Dec 22, 2006
	WVLT - Dec 23, 2006

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