WEST LEYDEN — A West Leyden man was accused Tuesday of shooting a dog that was chasing deer on his property off Freeman Road in the town of Lewis.

Dale Mathis, 57, was charged by Lewis County sheriff’s deputies with aggravated animal cruelty, a class E felony, answerable in Lewis Town Court.

Mr. Mathis shot the dog, belonging to John S. Cullings, 25, West Leyden, with a .22-caliber rifle. Then the wounded animal returned to its residence, deputies said.

Charges also are pending against Mr. Cullings for allowing his dog to run at large, according to deputies.

State environmental conservation officers assisted at the scene.

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