The dog owner says she and a friend were on her own property near the property line she shared with her neighbor when they heard a single gunshot.
The woman called to her dogs. Moments later when her dogs responded, she noticed that one dog, Travis, had a gunshot wound on his back, above his shoulders. The bullet wound was a through-and-through, entering and exiting Travis' back without striking anything vital.
The dog owner believes Travis was on her property when he was shot, since her property is fenced-in and Travis responded quickly to her call despite his wound.
Her neighbor, Colton Skorupan, 39, says he was on his own property with his 6-year-old son when Travis, barking, ran toward him and his son. Skorupan says he was concerned for his safety and the safety of his son, causing him to draw his pistol and fire at Travis.
PROBLEMS WITH SKORUPAN'S STORY:
He says he was not aware he had struck Travis until the dog owner confronted him about Travis' wound. He told police that he's had issues with the dogs in the past, saying they are aggressive.
So you've got problems with your neighbors and their dogs... one comes on your property and is so aggressive you shoot at it, but according to you, aren't sure you hit anything...
What's one the main rules of firearms safety? Always be sure of your target AND WHAT IS BEHIND IT. Where did the bullet go? How far did it travel? The neighbor's house? A neighbor?
And, if you've had all these problems with the neighbors, why wouldn't you have immediately called 911 to report this 'aggressive dog' that you had to shoot at because it was threatening you and your child? Why would you shoot a dog (or shoot at it) that came onto your property and then just go about your business? Doesn't make sense.
The area where the shooting occurred is rural. There is an estimated 500 foot discrepancy between where Skorupan states he shot Travis and where the dog owner thinks Travis was shot. Police checked both areas for evidence that could confirm the location of where Travis was shot, but were unable to locate anything due to the heavily wooded nature of the area.
Police applied for an arrest warrant charging Skorupan with animal cruelty. The warrant was reviewed by a judge and granted.
On Saturday, November 5, 2016, Mr. Skorupan turned himself in to TFC. CUMMINGS at the State Police Troop B Barracks in Bedford where he was placed under arrest for the Cruelty to Animals charge, a Class B Felony. Mr. Skorupan was released on personal recognizance bail and must appear in the 9th Circuit – District Division - Milford Court on January 23, 2017 at 12:00 p.m. to answer his charge.
ADDITIONAL CHARGES POSSIBLE?
In addition to the animal cruelty charge, Skorupan should also be charged with Criminal Mischief. And, if the police can prove that the dog was actually shot inside its own fenced yard (if they can find the bullet lodged in the side of the house, in the grass), Skorupan could also be facing a felony Reckless Conduct charge, as the crime involved the use of a deadly weapon.
New Hampshire Criminal Mischief law:
Criminal Mischief is the most commonly prosecuted criminal property damage charge in the state of New Hampshire. You could be charged with this offense if you “purposefully or recklessly” damage someone else’s property.
The seriousness of the precise criminal charge you face is dependent on several factors, including the value of the damage done.
Class A Misdemeanor Criminal Mischief
You could be charged with Criminal Mischief as a Class A Misdemeanor if the damage is valued at less than $1,000 and more than $100 (Remember, animals are considered property).
A Class A Misdemeanor carries a potential sentence of up to one year in jail.
If convicted of Criminal Mischief, you will be required to pay restitution to the victim. This means you will pay the cost of the damage above and beyond any fines you are sentenced to.
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| A photo of Travis before he was shot by Skorupan |
New Hampshire Reckless Conduct law:
The New Hampshire Reckless Conduct statute states: "A person is guilty of Reckless Conduct if he recklessly engages in conduct which places or may place another in danger of serious bodily injury."
Reckless Conduct can be charged either as a Felony or a Misdemeanor depending upon the circumstances. Reckless Conduct is a class B Felony when the person uses a deadly weapon.
A deadly weapon is defined as a Firearm, knife or other substance or thing which, in the manner it is used, intended to be used, or threatened to be used, is known to be capable of producing death or serious bodily injury. Meaning that if you throw a frying pan at your law partner you may face a charge of felony Reckless Conduct.
A Class B Felony can land you in the State Prison up to 3 ½ to 7 years plus a $4,000 fine.
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