A 63-year-old man was arrested Friday, Jan. 2, after allegedly shooting and killing a neighbor’s dog in a residential Ridgecrest neighborhood, authorities said.

Kern County Sheriff’s deputies responded at about 12:50 p.m. to the 1500 block of North Alford Street after a caller reported that a neighbor had shot a dog, claiming self-defense.

Deputies identified the suspect as Charles Pappe and found a deceased black-and-white dog with an apparent gunshot wound.

Pappe admitted to shooting the dog with a .45-caliber rifle, deputies said. An investigation found that Pappe had left the area after an alleged dog attack, then returned more than 30 minutes later to retrieve the rifle and shoot the dog. Neither Pappe nor his dog was injured, and medical aid was declined, authorities said.

Deputies determined the shooting was not self-defense, but a premeditated act. Pappe was arrested on charges of animal cruelty and negligent discharge of a firearm.

A search of his home led to the seizure of additional firearms and ammunition. He was booked at Lerdo Jail, and Kern County Animal Control took custody of the deceased dog.

Got a Tip?

The sheriff’s office said it takes all investigations seriously and encouraged anyone with information to call (661) 861-3110 or submit anonymous tips through its website.

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