Man faces felony changes after hunting dog death

[Jerry Moll]

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) --

Investigators with the Brunswick County Sheriff's Office say a man is facing charges in connection with the deadly shooting of a hunting dog. The dog's owner says the man told him the he was protecting his chickens, but says the GPS data on the dog's collar contradicts that claim.

According to arrest warrants, Richard Clark, 64, was arrested March 6; he's facing charges including felony animal cruelty and misdemeanor unlawful removal or destruction of electronic dog collars. The warrant says the incident happened February 28.

Billy Robbins, the dog's owner, says he was hunting with his grandson on property adjacent to Clark's property on Cedar Hill Road near Leland. Robbins says they were tracking Pete, a Mountain Cur, while squirrel hunting when Clark came out of the woods with Pete's body. He says Clark also cut off Pete's GPS collar.

"Mr. Clark, he brought the dog, he drug him out of the woods with the GPS collar and everything," Robbins told dispatchers. "We're right here on the property line."

Robbins says Clark told him Pete was attacking some of Clark's chickens on his property and that's why he shot him. Robbins says the dog was never on the suspect's property and the data from the collar shows that. Deputies said based on the investigation and information that was obtained by the GPS data, they were able to obtain the warrants to charge Clark.

Robbins says Pete was his best friend and a member of the family. He says the whole incident rattled both him and his grandson.

"Best dog in the world and he just killed him and shot him," Robbins said.

When attempting to contact Clark for a response to the incident, no phone number was listed and the entrance to his home posted a "No Trespassing" sign. The gate to the entrance was also locked.

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[Chris Cordle]

That is horrible. I hope they throw the book at him!

[Wes Coffman]

Another good reason to have your Garmin on during hunting time.

[Randy Fried]

ought to be worth at least $10,000, I know it won't bring the dog back but people are nuts and to get their attention is to get in their wallet!! I had one shot when is was a kid, it was terrible, and no Kid should have this happen.

[James A McCulloch]

I had one shot several years ago heart wrenching. Justice I Pray. Wasn't served in my case. Hopefully will be I this one. Shack

[Ronnie W. Stark]

Any news on how this case was settled?