Fairhope police have taken three juveniles into custody after a pet dog was shot to death while its owner was walking it near downtown Fairhope.
Police said a 52-year-old woman was walking two leashed dogs near the intersection of New Era Road and South Section Street when three boys — ages 11, 12 and 15 — approached her. One of the juveniles, armed with a shotgun, shot one of the dogs. All three fled the scene.
Quick Arrests
Officers located the three suspects moments later near Kirkman Lane and Pecan Avenue. All three are Fairhope residents.
The investigation determined the shotgun had been stolen, though police had not identified its owner. Additional charges tied to the theft of the weapon may be added once its origin is established.
Charges Filed
The juveniles are being held at the Baldwin County Juvenile Detention Center in Bay Minette, charged with felony cruelty to an animal and reckless endangerment due to the owner’s proximity to the gunfire. The woman was not injured.
Police urged residents to store firearms securely to prevent theft. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the Fairhope Police Department at (251) 928-2385.