By JAMES MITCHELL
Sunday Times Newspapers
TAYLOR – The shooting of a stray dog by a 70-year-old man in a wheelchair Wednesday was determined by police to be an act of self-defense, and no charges will be brought in the animal’s death.
Taylor police were called to the scene in the 26800 block of Leroy Street about 3 p.m. Wednesday, after neighbors reported the shooting of a dog, believed to be a pit bull.
Police and others were told separate stories: Joe Rye, who fired his legally-owned handgun and killed the animal, said that he saw the dog growling as it chased Rye’s wife and then lunged at his leg. Rye said he was in the yard and saw two dogs seemingly threaten children who were playing in the street.
Some neighbors disagreed, reportedly concerned that stray gunshots presented a danger to the children in the area, and that Rye had gone inside and could have avoided any perceived danger from the animals.
Police filed no charges and did not confiscate Rye’s weapon. The dog was not wearing a tag, and has not been claimed.
(James Mitchell can be reached at [email protected])