The Washington County Sheriff’s responded to an animal complaint on Whitewood Dr. in the Town of Farmington on 8/31/16 at 9:03 a.m.
The caller and property owner, a 54-year-old Town of Farmington man, reported 2 dogs attacked his penned-up chickens in his back yard.
According to the Washington County Sheriff the caller, and his two sons, had gone outside to personally observe this occurring. The property owner then went inside his residence to retrieve a single-shot pellet air rifle while the two sons attempted to chase the two dogs away.
When the father returned he gave the pellet gun to one of his juvenile sons as they continued to chase the dogs away. One of the dogs ran away, and according to the witnesses, the other dog circled back around the front of the house where the 6-year-old daughter was standing.
Photo courtesy Billie Jean Gruber
According to the witnesses, they attempt to scare the dog away a second time, and it starts growling and acting aggressive while approaching the girl.
According to the Sheriff the father told investigators he was fearful the dog is going to attack his daughter so he instructs his son to shoot at it. The son takes aim and shoots the dog and ends up killing the animal. The homeowner told investigators he thought the pellet gun would only injure the dog and cause it to retreat.
Investigating deputies reviewed Wisconsin State Statute 174.01 which reads that a person may intentionally kill a dog only if the person is threatened with serious bodily harm by the dog and other restraining actions were tried and failed, or immediate action is necessary.
Investigators also consulted with the Washington County District Attorney’s Office and concluded there was no violation.
The deceased dog was turned over to the owners who do not believe their dog would have acted in the described manner.
UPDATE: Not included in the press release from the Washington County Sheriff’s was the dog in question was a 3-pound Chihuahua.
UPDATE II: I’ve reached out a number of times to the owner of the dog that was killed. If you know them have them call me back at 334-4526.
The dog that was shot was a 3 pound chihuahua puppy who would not have done any harm to any chickens let alone a person. That act of violence was ridiculous and absolutely uncalled for.
I’d just like to point out that the “vicious” dog killed was, in fact, a 3 lb puppy. It was no threat to anyone. Obviously the little boy was a far greater threat to the dog than he to the boy. He is being taught animal cruelty from a young age, which is disturbing.
It should be mentioned that the owner of the dog called the cops upon finding their dog murdered. Also, the dog was THREE POUNDS. This is ridiculous and the man should be charged with animal cruelty.
I am the devastated owner of this beloved little dog who was shot & killed this morning. I drove by the neighbor’s house in search of Gus, whom I found lying dead in their driveway. I had my son immediately call the sheriff’s department, yet my report of the situation and excuses given to me by the neighbor were apparently not documented by the law enforcement officers or not felt to be an important part of this “story”. My family is disgusted and heartbroken by today’s tragic and completely unnecessary events.
Why was the dog not on the owners property where it belongs, so someone else should risk pain and suffering at the negligence of the owner, the owner should be charged with animal abuse for letting their dog attack the chickens and not having there dog under control, another case of someone not owning up to thier responsibility.
It sure seems like there is more to this story. I suspect there is some sort of contention between these neighbors and the father had an opportunity to capitalize on a situation and use his kid to inflict pain on the animal and ultimately the owner.
Wow to Sam: What a post. Animals get out; even with the best of intentions by owners. So your response is to lay blame solely on them. It sounds as though you’ve never had a pet, or worse you are the type of person that would chain one up. That being said, how on earth is a 3lb dog a threat to anybody. And if the threat felt immediate enough that danger was seconds away, then why did the father hand the pellet gun to the son? Moreover, why try to shoot the animal if it was that close and threatening to the sister/daughter. Why not move the children to a safer place and contact the owners. This sounds like an individual that had one thing in mind, to inflict pain to another family by shooting their pet. This individual didn’t have to shoot the dog, even if it was a pellet gun. The only reason to use any type of gun is to inflict pain and death. This is completely over the line.
How can we get this man to be held accountable for his actions? Grudge or no grudge against a neighbor-this is just sick. To claim that this 3 lbs puppy/dog was putting his daughter in imminent danger is ludacris.
Owners never believe their dog will hurt anyone. Just like family members always believe in the innocence of family criminals.
any dog, be it your own or someone elses is always capable of becoming a threat. pet owners are to be responsible for anything there pet does and it is a law that dogs are to be kept on leashes at all times. all animals are unpredictable. ive been around animals all my life. i as a child was bit by our family black lab of 12 yrs. my brother was bit by a neighbor dog that we knew very well. my brother aquired over 40 stitches in his face. my daughter when 1 yrs old was bit badly in the face by our own family dog when she accidentally stepped on his back paw. just saying i dont care how well you know your pet, how long long you have had them All animals are unpredictable. I believe that the owner and the boy who shot the dog should are at fault and she be held accountable.