Downstate man accused of fatally shooting dog

ELDORADO -- A southern Illinois man is charged with felony animal cruelty after allegedly fatally shooting a neighbor's puppy.

Saline County prosecutors have charged 60-year-old Larry Williams of Eldorado in connection with the April 1 shooting of George Bowlby's mixed-breed dog.

Eldorado police say in a report that a neighbor told authorities he saw a gun barrel come out of Williams' door and shoot the puppy.

A veterinarian who was not identified in the police report told police the puppy had a gunshot wound lodged in its shoulder blade. He planned to stabilize the puppy and remove the bullet later, but the dog died.

Williams does not have a listed home telephone number. It was not clear if he had an attorney.