Park City man, son accused of stomping on puppy

A Park City man and his son are charged with killing a puppy owned by a Racine woman over a $13 debt, police said.

Fred Gossett, 49, of Park City, and Curtis Gossett, 22, of Racine, were charged with burglary and mistreatment of animals Tuesday, July 31, after they allegedly burst into the victim's home and stomped on the 6-month-old beagle puppy's head, killing it, authorities said.

Racine Police Sgt. Martin Pavilonis said Curtis Gossett went to a neighbor's home after the attack and said he and his father had killed the puppy.

The unidentified neighbor went to the victim's home, saw the dead dog, then called the homeowner so she and her children would not return to find the dog, Pavilonis said.

The victim told police she owed Curtis Gossett $13, Pavilonis said.

Both men were taken into custody, Pavilonis said. Fred Gossett remains in Racine County jail in lieu of $7,735 bail, Pavilonis said.

Each man faces up to seven and a half years in prison, and fines of up to $25,000 each, he said. Both are due in court Wednesday.