Man charged after dog found with gunshot wounds

A 22yearold man is in custody after allegedly shooting a dog in the Kennebecasis Valley on Saturday.

A bystander called police after they witnessed a car "screeching to a halt," thencrashing into a snowbank in front of the Dolan Road Irving, according to Sgt. Peter Breen of the KennebecasisRegional Police Force.

The man was then seen going into the woods off Highway 1, where he was walkinga pitbull mix.

When heemergedfrom the woods, the dog was no longer with him, witnesses told police. The man then left in a cab.

Police searched the crashed car andfound a BB gun and a small quantity of drugs.

When officers tracked down the cab, the man was found to be carrying a concealed handgun.

'He had a bullet in him'

Police searched the area for the dog for about three or four hourson Saturday night without success, saidSgt. Breen.

At6 a.m. Sunday, the dogwas spotted wandering near the topofFox Farm Road, according to police.

Xrays revealed the dog "had a bullet in him," according to Sgt. Breen, but otherwise seemed "in good shape."

The suspect is facing charges of carrying a concealed weapon,cruelty to animalsand drug offences. Heis expected to appear in court on Monday.

Police say the dog received medical care and isstaying with the Saint John SPCA.