A 23-year-old Arkansas man faces an aggravated animal cruelty charge after he shot his dog Wednesday morning, authorities said.
Around 2:30 a.m., Fayetteville Police Department officers were sent to the West Stone Street apartment of Taylor Weir.
Authorities had gotten a call from Weir’s roommate stating that he feared the 23-year-old was possibly suicidal after killing his own dog inside the apartment, according to a preliminary report. The roommate reportedly added that there was blood “all over.”
When police arrived, they found Weir’s English mastiff alive but “gravely injured” with bullet wounds to its head and the side of its body. An officer noted what appeared to be blood on Weir's arms, pants and shoes.
In an interview with authorities, Weir said that he did not know where the blood came from and that he did nothing wrong, according to the report.
It appeared that Weir made no attempt to provide first aid to the dog and instead began cleaning the apartment, an officer wrote, noting a strong smell of cleaning supplies inside and outside the home.
Weir's handgun as well as a spent casing were reportedly recovered.
The dog was transported to a nearby veterinary clinic for medical treatment, according to the report.
Weir denied being suicidal and was cleared by medical personnel, police said.
He was arrested and taken to Washington County jail, where he was released on a $2,500 bond Wednesday night, records show. A court date is scheduled for March 2.
