A shocking incident occurred in the Bereziv community where a man shot a dog belonging to his acquaintance, believing it was a threat to his friends' chickens. The event took place in February, prompting local residents to call the police after hearing the dog's cries.
Investigators found that a 25-year-old man, who was visiting friends, acted out of anger after drinking alcohol. He learned from the dog owners that their mixed-breed pet was supposedly harming their chickens. In a fit of rage, he retrieved an air rifle from his car and shot the dog, hitting it in the eye.
A veterinary examination confirmed that the dog died from swelling of the brain caused by the gunshot wound.
Police swiftly located the offender and confiscated the weapon, identified as a single-shot pneumatic rifle of 4.5 mm caliber.
The suspect has been charged with animal cruelty leading to the animal's death, which under Ukrainian law carries a potential sentence of up to three years in prison.
The investigation is ongoing under the supervision of the Bereziv District Prosecutor's Office.