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Case ID: 4388

Classification: Shooting

Animal: dog (non pit-bull)

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Animal was offleash or loose

Abuse was retaliation against animal's bad behavior

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Case #4388 Rating: 5.0

Dog shot and killed
Salem, NY (US)

Incident Date: Sunday, Apr 10, 2005
County: Westchester

Disposition: Convicted

Defendant/Suspect: Thomas Steele

Case Updates: 2 update(s) available

The president of the Salem Central School Board is accused of shooting and killing a dog on April 10. Police said Thomas Steele shot and killed a neighbor's dog on the road in front of his Salem farm.

A 12-year-old girl said she witnessed Steele fire one shot at the animal from far away then walk up and fire two more shots, killing the dog.

Steele told police he shot the dog because he thought it had been bothering his livestock in the past. Investigators said that was not the case. An investigation showed he killed a different dog on April 10.

Steele faces animal cruelty and weapons charges.

Case Updates

According to the Washington County DA's office, Steele pleaded guilty to gunning down his neighbor's dog back in April. Steele admitted he shot the dog twice while a 12-year-old girl watched.

The DA's office offered Steele a plea deal back on July 26, which lowered the animal cruelty charge from a felony to a misdemeanor.

By accepting the deal, Steele avoids jail time.

Under the terms of the plea agreement Steele must resign from the school board, attend anger management classes and pay restitution.

Source: Capital Nine News - Aug 29, 2005
Update posted on Aug 29, 2005 - 3:01PM

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The Salem Board of Education President Thomas Steele of Shushan appeared in Washington County Court June 3, 2005.

The 44-year old farmer pled not guilty to multiple charges of animal cruelty stemming from an April 10 dog shooting.

Steele is due back in court on July 26.

Source: Capital news 9 - June 3, 2005
Update posted on Jun 4, 2005 - 10:25PM

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References

- April 15, 2005
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Dog shot and killedSalem, NY (US)

Case Updates

References

Dog shot and killed
Salem, NY (US)