Family dog shot for stealing food - Conifer, CO

Sunday, Aug 12, 2007

County: Jefferson

Charges: Felony CTA
Disposition: Convicted

Defendant/Suspect: Devin Shane Calhoun

Case Updates: 1 update(s) available

A man faces aggravated animal cruelty and prohibited use of a weapon for allegedly shooting the family dog over a stolen morsel off a dinner plate.

Devin Shane Calhoun, 35, was arrested Aug. 12. An arrest affidavit said family members saw the dog, named Lucky, take food off of Calhoun's plate.

After finding out, Calhoun took the dog outside and shot it, deputies said.

The dog is expected to make a full recovery.

Calhoun's wife reportedly told investigators she saw Lucky eat off her husband's plate while he was outside their home in the 12000 block of South Ridge Road.

Their son put Lucky in a kennel inside the house and went to tell Calhoun about the dog, according to the affidavit.

Calhoun reportedly led the dog to a meadow near the house. His wife said she "heard one gunshot and the dog whine for a little bit."

A Jefferson County sheriff's deputy called to the home noted that Calhoun had "bloodshot, watery eyes, an odor of an alcohol beverage on his breath and numerous empty beer bottles around him."

The deputy reported asking Calhoun why he shot his dog, and his reply was "because he ate my food."

Calhoun, who is free on $2,000 bail, is scheduled in court Oct. 18.

If convicted, he could face up to 18 months in prison on the animal cruelty charge.

Case Updates

A man who authorities said shot the family dog over a stolen morsel of food pleaded guilty Monday to charges of animal cruelty and prohibited use of a weapon, officials said. Devin Shane Calhoun, 35, was arrested Aug. 12 after family members told police Calhoun took the dog, Lucky, outside and shot it following the theft of food from Calhoun's dinner plate. Lucky survived the gunshot wound. Jefferson County district attorney spokeswoman Pam Russell said Calhoun faces up to 1 1/2 years in jail and a fine of up to $5,000. Sentencing will be March 12.

Source: KJCT - Jan 14, 2008 Update posted on Jan 14, 2008 - 10:43PM

References

• - Aug 22, 2007

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