A 20-year-old Arvada man pleaded guilty this week in 1st Judicial District Court to aggravated animal cruelty for shooting and killing his girlfriend’s dog with a bow and arrow.
Zackary Scott Ruszka was arrested Dec. 4 on suspicion of killing a “small black terrier” at close range, said a Jefferson County arrest affidavit.
Ruszka apparently lived with his girlfriend and her family, who were all out town for a family emergency at the time of the incident.
Arvada police responded to the residence on a possible burglary call. Officers found blood in the garage and the dead dog nearby. The inside of the house was reported as being “ransacked,” with a smashed door and furniture.
Ruszka was found in the basement, authorities said.
He pleaded guilty to the Class 6 felony aggravated animal cruelty. Sentencing was set for June 15. He could face up to 18 months in prison.
