Case Details

Therapy dog shot and killed
Newton, AL (US)

Incident Date: Monday, Feb 28, 2005
County: Dale
Local Map: available
Disposition: Convicted
Charges: Misdemeanor

Abuser/Suspect: 16 year old boy

Case ID: 4764
Classification: Shooting
Animal: dog (non pit-bull)
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The 16-year-old boy who allegedly�shot a trained service and therapy dog to death has been turned over to the juvenile court system.

District Attorney Kirke Adams said the juvenile made an admission to the misdemeanor offense of cruelty to animals at his hearing in May.

The boy, who lives in the Newton area, shot the German shepherd with a 12-gauge shotgun while the dog's owners were out of town in late March. The dog, named General Fuzzy, was behind two chainlink fences when he was shot in the chest area.

The boy had been fishing with three other boys on private property in Newton when the incident occurred. The other boys have not been charged, but they have been appropriately punished, Adams stated.

"They did not shoot General Fuzzy, but I do feel they could've done something to diffuse the situation," stated Adams, who met with the boys and their parents.

Aside from their punishment, the three boys also received a good "scolding" from the D.A.'s office, Adams said.

"I have done everything I know to do and what the law allows me to do. I have no regrets," said Adams, who has two cats and a basset hound. "There's nothing I can do to bring back General Fuzzy."

But General Fuzzy's owners, Michael and Beau Gales, adamantly believe the district attorney could, and should, do more to avenge Fuzzy's death.

And it has presented a question on animal cruelty laws in Alabama, with the Gales demanding the charge be upgraded to a felony, per the Cruelty to Animals Act passed in 2001.

The Gales have thoroughly researched Alabama laws, posting the information on their business's Web site - www.admiralsantiques.com - and starting a petition that has garnered more than 5,000 signatures so far. Most of the signatures are from out of state.

The Gales also believe the law says all of the boys should be formally charged, not just the shooter - and all certified as adults.

The notice of the first hearing mailed to the Gales was returned, so the owners are being allowed to address the court at their restitution hearing later this month, Adams stated.

The Gales have not yet decided whether they will seek restitution, although they said they have invested more than $14,000 in General Fuzzy.

"Restitution is the last thing on my mind," Beau stated. "$10 million wouldn't bring him back, or save the next one - that's what I'm worried about."

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References

dothaneagle.com
Admiral's Antiques -   March 2005

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