-
Alexus Newsome's two-year-old terrier-mix, Luna, will soon undergo surgery after she was reportedly shot by a neighbor last Wednesday. A Go Fund Me account has been set up to help with the veterinary bills. (Submitted photo)
A local man is facing a felony charge, with more charges possibly on the way, after he reportedly shot two of his neighbor’s dogs last week.
On Wednesday afternoon, Larry Grammer, 29, was arrested at his Burnt Stand Road residence and then transported to Lumpkin County Detention Center where he was charged with aggravated cruelty to animals.
Lt. Alan Roach of the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office said the incident seemed to stem from an ongoing argument with his neighbors.
“The Grammers have had issues with the neighbors’ dog coming over and getting into the trash and getting on their property,” he said.
When Grammer arrived at his residence to find Lucy Lou, a four-year old terrier mix, and Luna, a two year old Staffordshire terrier mix, on the property near their joined driveway, he allegedly pulled out a gun and opened fire.
“Mr. Grammer drove up and saw the dogs in his yard, got out with his gun and shot the two dogs,” said Roach. “And he readily admitted to it.”
Lucy Lou was killed. Luna was able to flee into the woods. She turned up days later with a wounded leg.
“She is currently at the UGA Veterinary Hospital,” owner Alexus Newsome told The Nugget. “She may be getting surgery tomorrow or the next day for a shattered femur.”
After the shooting, a friend set up a Go Fund Me account that goes by the title of “Raise money for Luna’s surgery.”
“We need to get the bullet removed and her leg reconstructed,” it reads. “It will be a long recovery but we are hoping for the best. Any help will be greatly appreciated.”
As of press time, $3,270 had been raised with a goal of $10,000.
Newsome said that the support she and her pet have received so far has been “amazing.”
INVESTIGATION CONTINUES
Meanwhile, Roach said that the designation of aggravated cruelty increases the charge from a misdemeanor to a much more serious felony.
“It was the fact that it was done with intent to cause them death or great bodily harm, versus just neglect,” said Roach.
He added that even if the dogs were on Grammer’s property, it didn’t justify the use of deadly force.
“Either way it doesn’t matter,” he said. “If a dog’s digging in your trash it’s not grounds to shoot them. They have to be actively in the middle of destroying property or endangering others.”
After his arrest, Grammer was released on $5,200 bond. But as the investigation continues, he may have to return to Lumpkin County Detention Center.
“He’s probably going to have some additional charges coming his way,” said Roach.
On Tuesday morning, Sheriff Stacy Jarrard said that news of the shooting seems to have spread far and wide as he’s received calls from out of state.
“Anytime it involves something with an animal there are people from all over that reach out,” he said.
Jarrard said some callers are misreading Grammer’s release from jail as an indication that the LCSO is not taking the case seriously. That, he said, is not how it works.
“I told everybody that has reached out that animal control responded and law enforcement responded and evidence was there that led to the arrest and they are are taking out other charges now,” he said. “We are fulfilling our duties, now it’s up to the judicial process as to what takes place.”