Former Waldoboro man who shot dog with BBs headed back to jail
WISCASSET — A former Waldoboro resident who shot his black Labrador retriever more than 90 times with a BB gun is headed back to jail.
Aaron Armstrong, 33, who now lives in Windsor, pleaded guilty Thursday, March 27, to aggravated cruelty to animals and violating conditions of his release after he shot his dog more than 90 times with a BB gun.
Armstrong, who lived in Waldoboro at the time of the crime, was sentenced to four years in prison with all but eight months suspended and two years of probation. He had served four months while awaiting trial.
As part of his agreement, Armstrong has a lifetime ban on owning mammals, must seek counseling and not to own a firearm of any kind, including BB or pellet guns.
Armstrong will also have to pay $373 to the Boothbay Harbor Animal Hospital.
Armstrong was originally charged in June 2013 after his dog was found as a stray and sent to Edgecomb's Lincoln County Animal Shelter. After receiving an X-ray it was discovered that the dog, who has since been renamed and adopted by a family, had been shot repeatedly by Armstrong. He was originally arrested and charged with aggravated animal cruelty and violating conditions of release for allegedly shooting his dog with a BB gun.
Police were able to discover that the dog belonged to Armstrong.
According to Lincoln County Court documents, Armstrong allegedly shot the dog after he had been drinking and the dog reportedly misbehaved.
Related:
Armstrong expected to plead guilty in animal cruelty case
Waldoboro man arrested for animal cruelty
