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86-Year-Old Arraigned in Dog Shooting Case

Posted at 11:42 AM, Apr 09, 2014
and last updated 2014-04-09 11:45:54-04
harry german

Harry German

STANTON, Mich. (April 9, 2014) — Harry German, 86, was arraigned Tuesday for allegedly shooting and killing his neighbor’s dog this winter.

According to officials at 64B District Court in Montcalm County, he was arraigned on a felony charge involving killing or torturing an animal.

He also faces three misdemeanors for destruction of property, reckless use of a firearm and shooting from a safety zone.

German is accused of fatally shooting his neighbor’s 7-year-old bullmastiff named Misha.

He said two of his neighbor’s dogs were running through his backyard scaring wildlife during a winter snowstorm in February.

He said he grabbed his gun and went into his backyard.

“I raised a gun to my shoulder,” he said.  “I shot two foot behind the back dog.  I know where I am shooting believe me.  Snow flew.  I know where the bullet went.”

He said the dogs ran away at first but then he said they came back.

“I wanted to scare them some more so I took the gun about waist high and I pulled the trigger.  That’s when it happened I guess,” said German.  “I’m not sure.  Well, I know I didn’t aim at it but I’m not sure what happened.  I don’t know why the dog died to be honest with you.”

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Misha

He said he is not convinced he struck the dog when he shot.  He also told FOX 17 in March that he believes he’s covered under the law if he did shoot and kill the dog.

He cited the Montcalm County Dog Enforcement Ordinance, which reads in part; ‘Any person may kill any dog which he sees in the act of pursuing, worrying or wounding any animals or attacking persons, and there shall be no liability on such person in damages or otherwise, for such killing.’

German said he plans to use that defense in court.  His pre-trial is scheduled for May 12 at 1 p.m., according to district court officials.