California: Curt Chamberlain, 32, arrested after shooting his own dog

CALIFORNIA -- The Humboldt County Sheriff's Office confirmed Tuesday that a Rottweiler is recovering and expected to survive after allegedly being shot by a Bridgeville man over the weekend.

Deputies responded to a number of calls from the Golden Gate Subdivision of Bridgeville at about 2 p.m. Friday, with the callers reporting that they heard yelling and screaming from their neighbor.

According to a press release, the callers reported hearing the neighbor, Curt Chamberlain, 32, threaten his dog before multiple gunshots rang out, and a dog began yelping as if injured.

One of the callers reported having seen Chamberlain with a gun in his hands, according to the release.

As deputies responded to the scene, neighbors reported seeing Chamberlain get into a maroon Ford Ranger with a canopy top and drive away. One of the responding deputies spotted the truck parked in front of the Swains Flat Outpost, according to the release, and contacted the driver, whom he identified as Chamberlain.

The deputy searched the truck and reported finding a 20-gauge shotgun in the cab, according to the press release. In the back of the truck, the deputy reported finding a large Rottweiler suffering from a shotgun wound. A Humboldt County animal control officer was called to the scene, and the dog was transported to a local veterinarian for treatment.

According to the release, the dog remained at the veterinarian's office through the weekend, and is expected to recover from its injuries.

Chamberlain was arrested on suspicion of public intoxication, cruelty to an animal and an unrelated misdemeanor warrant for public intoxication. His bail was set at $30,000.

A subsequent check of Chamberlain's residence determined no other animals or any humans were injured there, according to the release, which added that deputies did find evidence of a shotgun having been fired.

The Sheriff's Office asks anyone with information regarding this case or other criminal activity to call 445-7251 or the Sheriff's Office Crime Tip Line at 268-2539.

(Times-Standard - Nov 13, 2013)