TimesArgus.com - We Are Vermont

Animal cruelty trial set for cop who shot dog



Toolbox

Times Argus Staff
Times Argus Staff - Published: November 17, 2009

HYDE PARK (AP) — The trial has begun for an Essex Police officer charged with animal cruelty for shooting a neighbor's dog while off duty.

WCAX-television says 35-year-old Michael Wootton of Waterville went on trial Monday in Vermont District Court in Hyde Park.

Wootton has pleaded not guilty to an animal cruelty charge for shooting the 80-pound mixed-breed dog after it attacked his 20 pound dog.

The April 30 shooting occurred when Wootton's dog went to the neighbor's where it was attacked.

Wootton then allegedly retrieved his weapon and shot the attacking dog.

The neighbor's claim that by the time Wootton shot their dog, hit pet was out of danger.

Since the incident, Wootton has been doing administrative duties at the Essex Police Department.







READER COMMENTS


Not guilty? Really? So we can go into our neighbors yards and shoot someone else's dog when our dog went to their yard and was fighting with the other dog? Good to know officer!
-- Posted by Melissa B. on Tue, Nov 17, 2009, 12:03 pm EST

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This really makes me mad. I am a animal lover. That dog was on his own land and that cops dog was not on a leash or hooked. I **** know how he could live with himself. What about that little girl that loved that dog. You should be ashamed of yourself. I hope they fine you guilty and you lose your job as a cop. That would be a life lesson for you and your family.
-- Posted by michele porter on Tue, Nov 17, 2009, 11:13 am EST

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