A man suspected of shooting, abandoning and leaving a dog to die off an embankment on a forest service road near North Bend turned himself in to the police Friday, June 12, after local media picked the story up.
The man was questioned and released pending charges being filed in the case. King County Animal Care and Control is still investigating the incident, and expects to file charging papers next week.
The 4-year-old rottweiler was shot and left for dead, tied to a log, on Sunday, May 31, down a steep embankment from a popular unofficial shooting range.
A group of citizens contacted found the dog later that day and contacted King County Animal Care and Control. Despite emergency surgery, veterinarians realized after four days the dog wouldn’t recover from his wounds, which had left him paralyzed below the neck. He was euthanized Thursday, June 4.
According to King County Animal Care and Control, the suspect reportedly admitted that he attempted to kill the dog after experiencing behavioral problems with it and couldn’t afford proper euthanasia services.
“We’re still not buying it, and we’re still pushing ahead with pressing charges,” said King County Animal Care and Control Interim Manager Nancy McKenney.
The man could be charged with a class C felony, which carries up to five years in prison and maximum fine of $10,000.
“Tragedies like this can be avoided if pet owners realize there are options like low-cost obedience classes and dog training from organizations across the region that can assist with behavioral problems,” McKenney said. “They can also always surrender an animal to King County Animal Care and Control and let us work with our volunteers and partners to get training for the dog and help it find a better home. If your pet is licensed, we will even arrange to pick the pet up for you. There are always other options.”
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Resources:
Washington State Obedience Training Club
Association of Professional Dog Trainers
Reasonally-priced obedience classes are usually offered by municipal parks and recreation departments, at pet supply stores, such as Petco or PetsMart, and at the Seattle Humane Society in Bellevue.
General pet care articles and lists of most local animal shelters and rescue organizations are available at Petfinder.com
