Details On Bangor Dog Shooting Incident Near Young Children

A dog was shot in an incident on March Street in Bangor on Tuesday, and its owner is now facing charges, authorities say.

According to Det. Lieutenant Brent Beaulieu with Bangor Police Department's Criminal Investigation Division, the situation began when a large, untethered dog was perceived to be coming towards small children playing in a yard.

Authorities learned that the shooter believed the animal to be a direct threat to his small children when the shots were fired. Beaulieu says there was video footage that provided validity to that claim.

"The shooter’s toddler-aged children were playing outside of the residence in a small play area in their driveway. A dog, owned by a neighbor, was not tethered nor was it under the control of its owner, and ran aggressively towards the shooter and his children. The shooter yelled at the dog, and the dog leaped over a small property barrier and continued to charge forward. The shooter fired at the dog, striking the animal. "

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Beaulieu says the dog ran back to its home after being shot. The dog was taken to the local emergency veterinarian, but it succumbed to its injuries, according to WGME.

This is not the first time the dog's owner has had a run-in with the Animal Control Officer. We're told the person has been warned before to keep control of the same large dog.

The dog's owner has been charged with having a dog at large, which is not considered a criminal offense, but a civil offense in Bangor. Penalties for such offenses include monetary fines and mandatory court appearances. The owner could also be responsible for any potential impoundment fees.

In this case, Beaulieu says the owner will also have to pay the vet bill.

The shooter will not be charged, as he was defending himself and his children.