Man Who Shot Dog In Pocatello Says It Was A Threat

Pocatello police said a dog was shot with a large-caliber firearm, and the man who shot the animal said it was a threat to his family.

Police and animal control responded to a report of an injured dog on the 1100 block of Cedar Hollow on Tuesday afternoon.

The shot dog is a black and white Labrador mix that is about 2 years old. Police immediately transported the animal to a veterinarian.

Investigators followed a trail of blood left by the dog to Cahina Way. After police talked to residents and witnesses in the area, Brock C. Merrill, 36, was charged with cruelty to animals and discharging a firearm within city limits, both misdemeanors.

Merill told Local News 8 and KIDK that he believed the dog was a stray. It had frequented his property several times over the past week, he said, adding that he believed that the animal was becoming a threat to his family and family dog. When it became more aggressive Tuesday, he said he felt it was necessary to shoot the dog to protect them.

Merill also said he was not aware his property was within city limits.

The dog is in stable condition after surgery at Alta Animal hospital.

?Veterinarians at Alta Animal Hospital did a great job of saving the dog?s life; however, the bullet cannot be removed from the dog?s neck,? police said in a news release, adding that veterinarians are optimistic the dog will recover.

Police said the weapon used was a .357 Magnum revolver.

Pocatello Animal Control is trying to find the owner of the dog. Anyone with information on the identity of the dog?s owner is asked to call 234-6157.