Authorities in Gwinnett County have apprehended a man on multiple charges, including aggravated cruelty to animals, after a violent incident involving a trapped dog. On Wednesday, police responded to a distress call from an animal trapper who discovered a deceased dog at a residence on Citrus Drive in Duluth, as reported by Gwinnett County's official news release.
Upon their arrival, officers from the Central Precinct found that the homeowner, identified as 78-year-old Richard Beatty Hart, had shot a Husky after it was caught in a trap set by him. Hart claimed he took the action because the dog was pursuing his cats. Gwinnett County Animal Control corroborated the sad reality of the situation: the dog was dead.
The Gwinnett County Police confirmed that he was also booked for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, as well as possessing a firearm during the commission of certain felonies, and reckless conduct. Hart was taken into custody following the incident.
Animal Control Officers have since issued a stern warning to the public, emphasizing that no one should attempt to handle a trapped, domesticated animal alone. Instead, they urge individuals to contact emergency services or the Gwinnett County non-emergency line to guarantee a safe and professional removal of the animal. The non-emergency contact, offered by the county is 770.513.5700, according to the same news release.
