Charges filed against man who fatally shot dog at dog park (Video)

Click2Houston.com ^ | 03/09/2015 | John Brannen

[E. Pluribus Unum]

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas -

Charges were filed against a man accused of fatally shooting a dog at a Bay Area dog park Monday.

Joseph Potts, 26, has been charged with one count of cruelty to a non-livestock animal. Potts is not in custody at this time.

"We were pretty excited to hear that news, that was obviously the outcome we were looking for," said Randall Livingston, the owner of the fatally wounded Staffordshire bull terrier named Diesel.

Deputies with the Harris County Sheriff's Office responded to a shooting on Jan. 25 after officials said Potts shot and killed a dog he said threatened the safety of him, his wife and his two dogs.

But witnesses told investigators a different story, that the dogs were playing together when Potts kicked Diesel and then shot him three times -- once in his leg and twice in his back.

"Animal abuse is a serious offense that will not be tolerated,” said Harris County District Attorney Devon Anderson in a press release. “We take all allegations of cruelty to animals very seriously and pursue charges whenever appropriate."

Livingston told KPRC 2 he hopes Potts learns the consequences of his actions. 

 "Hopefully he would have some form of better judgment or just stay the hell out of the dog park​," Livingston said.

Potts could face two to 10 years in prison if convicted.

[Mastador1]

Well then you shouldn’t go somewhere that you are comfortable

[dragnet2]

Some dogs enjoy playing with other dogs, but their main interest is in their people. Owners are projecting the need to socialize with their own kind onto the dogs, who prefer being by your side, whether on a walk or on the couch.

This is such a perfect comment I am compelled to repeat it.