A man has been charged with animal cruelty and possessing unlicensed firearms after allegedly shooting dead his neighbour's dog which had wandered into his yard in the West Australian coastal town of Jurien Bay.
The kelpie-cross-doberman, called Splinter, had gone onto the 49-year-old man's property about 12.30pm on Sunday.
Police allege that as the owner called Splinter back, the neighbour came out his front door and shot the dog.
Splinter was rushed to the Dongara Veterinary Clinic but died before arriving.
Jurien Bay police searched the man's house and allegedly found and seized seven rifles, a shotgun, ammunition and drug paraphernalia.
He has been charged with a range of offences including animal cruelty by causing an animal unnecessary harm, five counts of possessing an unlicensed firearm and four counts of buying a firearm and ammunition when unlicensed.
Other charges include failing to safely store firearms and ammunition, discharging a firearm to the danger of the public and possessing drug paraphernalia.
He is due in the Geraldton Magistrates Court tomorrow.
