NORWOOD YOUNG AMERICA, Minn. — A 55-year-old man has been charged for allegedly shooting and killing a certified therapy dog because the animal had walked onto his lawn.
A deputy from the Carver County Sheriff's Office initially received a report from a woman who said her dog had been shot on June 15, according to charging documents.
The dog, Gus, had been shot multiple times and was euthanized due to the extent of its injuries.
Surveillance footage acquired by the sheriff's office allegedly showed Gus had walked down the driveway with the woman's son at 11:48 a.m. and returned bleeding at 12:08 p.m.
Sheriff's deputies interviewed neighbors including 55-year-old Patrick Darryl Will, who allegedly avoided eye contact and claimed he had been away from the residence at the time of the incident, according to the charging documents.
On June 20, deputies spoke with Will's mother, who allegedly indicated she had seen the dog on her property multiple times and had told her son "If something happens, or a dog comes out here then get rid of it."
When deputies went to Will's place of work later that day, he allegedly confessed to killing the dog.
"It was on my yard. I shot the damn thing." Will told the deputies, according to the charging documents.
Will indicated he shot at Gus, attempting to aim above its head. When Gus ran into some bush, Will allegedly shot into the area.
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