GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — A dog died in Gwinnett County after a man admitted to shooting his neighbor’s dog when it got caught in a coyote trap set in his backyard.
According to police, 78-year-old Richard Hart hired a trapper to set coyote traps on his property off Citrus Drive near Duluth.
On Wednesday at around 11 a.m. the neighbor’s husky became ensnared in one of the traps. Rather than calling for help, authorities say Hart grabbed a shotgun and shot the dog.
In body camera footage, Hart admitted to officers that he shot the dog because he was constantly chasing after his cats.
“He took it upon himself to shoot the dog,” said Cpl. Juan Madiedo with the Gwinnett County Police Department.
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The hired trapper called 911 after discovering that the trap had caught a dog instead of a coyote. Police reminded residents that if a domestic animal is captured in a trap, 911 should be contacted so local animal control units can respond.
Channel 2 Gwinnett County Bureau Chief Matt Johnson spoke with neighbors, who declined to go on camera. The neighbors were skeptical about the need for coyote traps, noting there isn’t a known coyote issue in the area.
Attempts to contact Hart on Thursday were unsuccessful when no one answered the door at his residence.
Police have charged Hart with three felonies, including aggravated cruelty to animals. Jail records show a judge granted a bond while he awaits legal proceedings.
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