Weapons Charges Could be Filed Against Finley Man Who Shot and Killed Puppy

Already facing charges of animal cruelty, a Finley man could be facing a weapons charge,  possibly for illegal discharge of a firearm.

Benton County authorities have not specified exactly what weapons charge could be brought against 82-year-old Otis McCulley.   He admitted to authorities he fatally shot a six-month-old Australian shepherd puppy that wandered into his yard last Thursday.

The dog, named Rowdy, belonged to the 10-year-old son of neighbor Kathy Davis.  The family told authorities they didn't know the animal had gotten out through the fence, and wound up in McCulley's yard.   He admitted to authorities he killed the dog because he thought it would leave waste droppings in his yard.

After discovering the dog was dead, the Davis family called the Benton County Sheriff that evening.

He also reportedly told sheriff's deputies he has shot other dogs who came onto his property.   He said he has the right to do so because it's his land.

McCulley now is facing a charge of animal cruelty,  and Benton County prosecutors may add a more serious weapons charge.    Exactly what that charge would be was not specified.