Shot neighbor's dog Warren, ME (US) Incident Date: Friday, Feb 14, 2003 County: Knox Local Map: available Disposition: Alleged Case Images: 1 files available Alleged: Robert Brown

Case ID: 868 Classification: Shooting Animal: dog (non pit-bull) View more cases in ME (US) Animal was offleash or loose Abuse was retaliation against animal's bad behavior Login to Watch this Case

Robert Brown, 51, of Warren was charged with criminal cruelty to animals and discharging a weapon within 100 yards of a residence after shooting the dog, according to Maine State Police Troop D Cmdr. Jeffrey Trafton. The incident happened on the Highland Road.

The dog, Bear, is home recuperating from his injuries. Trafton said Brown used a .22 rifle to shoot the dog. Brown told police he shot the dog because it was mating with his dog.

Bear's owner, Carolyn Murphy, said her dog was taken to Medomak Veterinary Service in Waldoboro where his right, rear leg was amputated at the hip Feb. 18. The bullet had shattered the bones in his leg, making it impossible for them to mend.

She said she understands there is a leash law, but this was the first time Bear got loose and went onto the neighbor's property. She said the dog got out of the house when the wind blew open a door that was not latched well. She said the neighbor could have just picked up the phone and called the animal control officer.

After the dog was shot, he ran to the porch of neighbor Rebecca Ruggieri who called the Murphy house.

Murphy said the initial surgery cost her $1,300 and she expects bills for medicine and follow-up visits to increase in the future. She said she could not have the dog put to sleep because her two children are so attached to him.

Brown told police he is sorry for shooting the dog and has offered to pay the veterinary bills, according to Trafton.

Trafton said Brown initially denied shooting Bear, but later confessed to it. State Trooper Jason Andrews investigated.

Brown was only 100 feet from another residence when he shot the dog, Trafton said. Murphy said a family with a child was in the nearby home at the time.

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The Courier-Gazette

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