Dog fatally shot - Dexter, MO

Wednesday, Nov 2, 2005

County: Stoddard

Disposition: Alleged

Alleged: Larry Roe Watkins

A Dexter alderman found himself in jail November 2, 2005 as the result of allegedly shooting a dog.

Larry Watkins, Alderman, Ward I, was arrested at 11:29 a.m., Wednesday and charged with unlawful use of a weapon, discharging a firearm and animal abuse.

According to Assistant Police Chief Lieutenant Sammy Stone, the ordeal initially started after Watkins had phoned a complaint to the Dexter Police in regards to three dogs which were reportedly on his property.

Stone said the animal control officer received the call; but, could not immediately respond as he was busy on another call at the time. Prior to the animal control officer's arrival, however, the three dogs were no longer an issue.

According to the report, witnesses at the scene saw two large dogs and one small dog. They described Watkins as standing near the back of his home and firing at one of the three animals with a rifle. The weapon used was discovered to be a .22 caliber rifle. Witnesses reportedly saw Watkins enter his truck and leave the scene after firing the weapon. At least one of the witnesses did not know who Watkins was; but was able to correctly identify him and his residence.

"Mr. Watkins said he had fired the rifle in an attempt to scare the animals," Stone remarked. "He said the dog he shot at was attempting to get into his dog's pen."

Watkins' dog, a rotweiler, was reportedly in its pen when Watkins had made the initial complaint concerning the three dogs. The dog which Watkins shot and fatally wounded for attempting to get in the pen with the rotweiler was a miniature pinscher. Stone said Watkins had remarked that the same dog had been on the property earlier and had "nipped" at him.

Watkins was arrested and posted $325 bond. The owner of the miniature pinscher was located and was issued a summons for animal restraint/running loose.

"That's a sad situation," Stone commented. "It's kind of like having an accident and getting a ticket on top of everything else. But, Dexter does have a leash law and we do enforce it. We had to do this right all the way around."

Dexter City Attorney Yewell Bud Lawrence said he could not comment on the matter at this time, pending further review of applicable law. Lawrence said it is unknown to him whether or not Watkins' seat as alderman will be jeopardized by the alleged actions.

References

• The Dexter Statesman November 4, 2005

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