Charges dismissed in animal cruelty case

May 11—Charges have been dismissed against the Clovis man who fatally shot a dog he said was "aggressively barking" at his dogs in November.

Bradley Pearson, who lives in the 100 block of Zia Place, faced a fourth-degree felony charge, punishable by up to 18 months in jail and a $5,000 fine.

But District Attorney Quentin Ray said last week the animal — a labrador retriever — "had a history of attacking people."

Court records show the suspect told police on Nov. 1 that he shot the dog after it barked at his own dogs in the front yard and then in the alley behind his house. The dog, named Marley, was shot once in the neck before his owner had him put down.

The shooting happened near the homes of Pearson and Marley's owner, Feleena Stonelake.

Ray told The News that neighbors had called animal control numerous times about the dog.

"The dog had been observed and recorded jumping over cinder block fences," Ray said.

Stonelake could not be reached and failed to appear at a civil trial concerning the shooting, Ray said.

Stonelake on Thursday also did not return a call to The News seeking comment. In November she said Marley "was the neighborhood dog and everybody loved him." But she also said she'd had complaints from neighbors about Marley before.

"We required the defendant to participate in a class titled, Responsible Pet Owner/Animal Ordinance," Ray said.

In the course, Ray said there's a portion that focuses on conflict resolution with other animals and their owners.

Pearson has completed the course and a dismissal has been filed.