Suspect Sought After Dog Fatally Shot in Pasco Monday

Pasco Police are seeking any persons who may have information.

Stray dog fatally shot Monday afternoon

Pasco Police were called to the 2000 block of Road 38 in West Pasco Monday afternoon. when a citizen called and reported hearing gunfire.

The person said they heard a gunshot Upon arrival Police found a dog lying in the roadway.

The dog, according to area neighbors, was believed to be a stray, and it had been shot in the shoulder. The animal was still alive when officers got there, but it died a short time later.  A picture posted by TV station KEPR-TV showed what appeared to be a Police Officer loading a white dog draped in a small blanket or towel into a van.

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Unfortunately, no shell casings have yet been found, Police are asking anyone who may have any information to report it at (509)-628-0333. All leads can be confidential.

  Animal cruelty laws have stiffened a lot in the last few years.

The person who shot the dog, if they are located, would likely be charged with First Degree Animal Cruelty, which is a Class C Felony in WA state.  According to humanesociety.org, this is what could happen to such a person:

"Depending on the severity of the case, those convicted of animal cruelty can be imprisoned. Appropriate sentencing can also include individual or family counseling, community service, placement in a diversion program and a prohibition on owning or caring for animals..."