Dog shot Shelbyville, MI (US) Incident Date: Thursday, Feb 15, 2001 County: Allegan Local Map: available Disposition: Alleged Case Images: 2 files available Alleged: Clyde Coburn

Case ID: 3682 Classification: Shooting Animal: dog (non pit-bull) View more cases in MI (US) Animal was offleash or loose Login to Watch this Case

Clyde Coburn, 68, faces charges of reckless discharge of a firearm and animal cruelty in connection with the alcohol-induced delirium shooting of his dog, Sarge. Coburn thought Sarge was a young boy who was stealing from him.

Sarge suffered shrapnel wounds to his esophagus, but survived the rifle blast.

The woman who rents a room to Coburn said he was going through alcohol withdrawal and was shooting off guns and had shot his dog.

When police arrived, Coburn told them he had shot someone who was stealing his things. They ordered him to drop the rifle. He was immediately arrested.

After Sarge was shot, he ran into a nearby woods and had to be coaxed into a car. He was then taken to a veterinarian. Sarge was in shock by the time he arrived at the clinic.

Sarge's former owner, Betty Jo Noorman, who gave Sarge to Coburn called the incident "sick." She described Sarge as a sheep-herding dog who is an exceptionally smart and loyal companion.

Noorman is trying to locate a new owner for Sarge and is seeking donations to cover his medical expenses. A "Compassion for Sergeant" account has been set up through the Main Street Savings Bank in Hastings.

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References

Kalamazoo MI Gazette - Feb 15, 2001

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