Dog shot to death
Irvington, AL (US)

Incident Date: Friday, Jul 7, 2006
County: Mobile

Charges: Misdemeanor
Disposition: Alleged

Alleged: Timothy J. DeVargas

The staff of Dr. E. Gaines Thomas' and Dr. Stephen Greenleaf's University Pediatric Dentistry office learned of the shooting death of Phyllis Friedrich's 8-year-old miniature dachshund, Shadow, in an article that ran in the Press-Register.

"He looks just like him," Friedrich said, tears rolling down her face. She covered her mouth in astonishment, then reached into the tiny basket and scooped the wriggly puppy into her arms.

Shadow was shot to death July 7 after he wandered off Friedrich's property to use the bathroom.

Timothy DeVargas, 41, who lives next door to Friedrich, was charged Tuesday with animal cruelty in the dog's shooting. He was released from the Mobile County Metro Jail on a $750 bond, the jail log showed.

DeVargas told deputies that the dog had wandered into his yard, Mobile County sheriff's spokesman Chad Tucker said.

Under Alabama law, cruelty to animals is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail.

Friedrich said she often let Shadow outside without a leash to use the bathroom, something she said she will not do with the new puppy.

References

• Press-Register - July 14, 2006

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