Puppy shot with pellet gun Goodland, FL (US) Incident Date: Sunday, Jun 4, 2000 County: Collier Local Map: available Disposition: Convicted Abuser/Suspect: Joseph Edward Curcie

Case ID: 3679 Classification: Shooting Animal: dog (non pit-bull) View more cases in FL (US) Animal was offleash or loose Login to Watch this Case

Joseph Edward Curcie, 42, of 675 Palm Court, is charged with animal cruelty. While he was boating with his three children, ages 12, 8 and 5, he asked one of them to get his pellet gun and he shot the dog which was on a pier.

The puppy had a small, puncture near the base of the neck. The veterinarian's report said the pellet tore a large vein and caused significant muscle damage. The puppy did recover and is doing well.

Curcie's trial was postponed by request of defense. Curie has several prior convictions, including battery, disorderly conduct, and possession of a controlled substance. He had told a Daily News report that his son shot the puppy.

There are witnesses who will testify they have seen Curcie with a pellet gun and neighbors who will also testify against him. Assistant State Attorney Ellen Simon said, "We have one person who saw him with a pellet gun and will say he has shot at his dog before."

Curcie's children's statements to police could also be useful in the trial. Each of the three children said they saw their father point the pellet gun at the dog and then heard the animal cry.

One child told the investigators, "Dad told us to say 'no' if the police ask if he has a BB gun or if he shot the dog with a BB gun."

It is unclear why Curcie shot the dog.

Trial is considered a high profile one. Closed door meeting was held to discuss procedural matters and who the victims are in the case.

Simon said, "Of course, there's the dog that was shot, and there's the owner. But there are also the three children. It's the state's view that they are victims as well."

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References

	Naples FL Daily News - Feb 1, 2001
	Naples FL Daily News - May 12, 2001

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