CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) - Police in Wyoming say three animal shelter officials, including its director, should be charged with cruelty to animals in the pepper-spraying of a dog that wasn’t threatening anyone.
Cheyenne police said Wednesday in a news release that employee Ryan Johnson held the 70-pound, pit bull mix while employee Eric Smale pepper-sprayed it under the direction of director Bob Fecht, a former Cheyenne police chief and state legislator.
The dog had bitten a shelter employee the day before and was euthanized a day later.
The misdemeanor charge recommended by police is punishable by up to six months in jail and a $750 fine.
Police have sent their investigation to prosecutors. District Attorney Jeremiah Sandburg didn’t immediately return a phone message seeking comment.
Fecht has been suspended and previously expressed regret in a public statement. Phone numbers were not immediately available for any of the three men.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.