Puppy shot in face
Altoona, IA (US)

Incident Date: Saturday, Jun 19, 2010
County: Polk

Disposition: Alleged

Alleged: Bernard Lear

Polk County Sheriff's officials said Thursday that an Altoona man has been charged in an animal cruelty case involving a dog that was found shot in the face.

Polk County Sheriff's spokeswoman Jana Rooker said Bernard Lear, 49, was arrested and charged following an investigation. Rooker said tips about the shooting received through Polk County Crime Stoppers were instrumental in the case.

Investigators said a male English bulldog was severely injured after being shot by a firearm on Saturday. Callers reported that they found the dog shot in the face in a wooded area at Northwest 26th Street and Interstate 80 around 6:10 p.m. on Saturday.

The dog was taken to the Animal Rescue League for treatment, but his injuries were so severe that he had to be put to sleep, officials said.

Lear was taken to the Polk County Jail, where he is being held on a $6,300 bond. He is charged with being a felon in possession of a weapon, animal abuse and also had a warrant for failure to pay child support from Jasper County.

He made an initial court appearance at the Polk County Jail on Thursday. His next court appearance is set for July 2.

Authorities said the dog was not his but a family members. If convicted, Lear could spend up to two years in prison.

Lear's criminal record shows a series of charges dating back to 1998 including theft, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving without a valid license and striking an attended motor vehicle.

Rooker said the Polk County Sheriff’s Office wants to thank those who called Polk County Crime Stoppers with information in this case. They provided an invaluable resource to law enforcement, which also helps to restore faith in the community after incidents such as this take place, said Rooker.

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