GOLDEN, Colo.—A mental health evaluation and presentence investigation have been ordered for a Lakewood man convicted of shooting a neighbor’s dog to death.
A Jefferson County jury deliberated about two hours Thursday before finding 51-year-old Ryan Hayes guilty of animal cruelty, reckless endangerment and prohibited use of a firearm while intoxicated.
The jury rejected a felony charge of aggravated animal cruelty.
Prosecutors say Hayes consumed up to 10 beers on the night of July 3, 2008, when he shot the 18-month-old Jack Russell terrier as the dog visited Hayes’ home with its owner, Marlys Duggan.
Hayes told jurors the dog was batting his loaded revolver around on the floor when he grabbed the gun and it went off.
Sentencing is scheduled for April 27.
