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Case Snapshot

Case ID: 13532

Classification: Shooting, Neglect / Abandonment

Animal: dog (non pit-bull)

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Abuse was retaliation against animal's bad behavior

Drugs or alcohol involved

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CONVICTED: Was justice served?

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Case #13532 Rating: 5.0 out of 5

Dog shot
Chesapeake, VA (US)

Incident Date: Monday, Oct 1, 2007
County: Chesapeake City

Charges: Misdemeanor
Disposition: Convicted
Case Images: 1 files available

Defendant/Suspect: Harry Lyness

ACO Rogers was called to the residence on Benefit Rd. on July 13, 2007 in response to a complaint of a dog that had been shot. The officer located an injured dog on the property. The complainant told the ACO that her boyfriend's father had shot his son's dog. The ACO spoke with son and the father. The father, Mr. Harry Lyness, denied any knowledge of the injured dog. ACO Rogers located the injured dog and a casing from a .357 magnum firearm. The ACO obtained a written animal surrender from the dog owner, and then transported the dog to the local animal emergency clinic. Due to the severity of the injuries, the dog was euthanized. ACO Rogers continued his investigation in the days that followed, and re-interviewed all members of the household. Mr. Lyness eventually admitted shooting his son's dog, but claimed the dog had been aggressive to him.

ACO Rogers charged Mr. Lyness with cruelty to animals for shooting the dog and failing to provide emergency veterinary care to the injured animal. The case was heard in General District Court on October 18, 2007. Mr. Lyness was found guilty of cruelty of cruelty to animals, and was fined $200 plus costs of court. The fine was suspended.

References

• ACO case file

• Docket # GC-07008169-00

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