Pennsylvania man charged with animal cruelty for killing neighbor's dog

A York County man is charged with aggravated animal cruelty for shooting a neighbor's dog. According to a criminal complaint, 71-year-old Dean Smith tried to stop the 2-year-old Akita named Porter from attacking a barn kitten on Smith's property in the 4500 block of Canal Road in Dover Township on Jan. 22. Investigators said Smith continued to shoot the dog even after it released the kitten from its mouth. The criminal complaint alleges Smith told investigators he shot the dog five times. The York County Detective Bureau said Smith told an investigator, “As soon as I pull the trigger, I have to kill him. Do you know what kind of legal proceedings would be pending if he came back and was bleeding to death, in pain and screaming?” An investigator said Smith continued, “I just know there's going to be litigation when he comes home.”