LAPEER (WWJ/AP) — A Michigan judge has issued an arrest warrant after a man accused of shooting his dog in the head with a crossbow didn’t appear in court for his sentence.
Christopher Scott failed to show up Thursday in Lapeer County District Court, 60 miles north of Detroit. He pleaded guilty Dec. 18 to a charge of abandoning or cruelty to an animal.
His 65-pound black-coated mastiff-Labrador mix named Gemma was found wandering last March with an arrow lodged above her left eye [See a photo here — Image may be disturbing]. A veterinarian later removed the arrow. The dog spent months recovering.
Gemma was placed up for adoption in the fall.
“Surprisingly enough the arrow did not do any long-term damage to Gemma’s brain. Four months later she is a totally happy, normal functioning dog!” her Devoted Barn profile reads.
Judge Laura Barnard signed an arrest warrant for Scott. A message seeking comment from defense attorney Matt Funke wasn’t immediately returned.
Scott’s lawyer argued that his client’s actions were justified, saying Scott was trying to kill the dog because it had killed another dog — a pug — “literally ripping out its throat.”
He said Scott had genuine fear because he has five children in the home and young children living next door.
Scott faces up to four years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
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