US father and son plead guilty to shooting neighbour's dog because it was 'annoying'
The father then harassed the dog's owner in the street after it was killed
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A father and son in the US have pleaded guilty to killing a neighbour's dog because the father found in annoying.
David James Walkoski was irritated by the barking of a seven-year-old black Labrador that was chained in a neighbour's garden.
He then paid his son, Derek James Walkoski, $500 (£305) to shoot the dog named Paws.
Derek Walkoski fired at the dog in April 2012, the bullet passing through the animal into a recycling bin behind it.
The pair was arrested in early 2013.
The younger Walkoski also has a number of previous convictions and is a self-proclaimed methamphetamine addict.
The case's prosecutor, Matthew Semritc, said that although Derek was a willing participant, he was easily influenced by his father because of his addiction.
David Walkoski “tried to take advantage of his son,” Semritc said.
After Derek shot and killed the dog, his father met him at a strip club so he could pay him.
61-year-old Walkoski Sr pleaded guilty to first-degree aggravated animal abuse, and to violating a court order to stay away from the dead dog’s owner.
Following the shooting, David Walkoski drove past his neighbour, made an offensive hand-gesture and threatened to “kick his ass”. He will be sentenced on 6 January.
Derek Walkoski, aged 30, pleaded guilty to first-degree aggravated animal abuse, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and recklessly endangering another person.
The younger Walkoski appeared remorseful during his court appearance, and said: “I just want to apologise for everything I've done."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments