Pa. man charged with allegedly shooting dog in head

A Stoudsburg man has been charged with allegedly shooting his dog in the head, the Pennsylvania SPCA Human Law Enforcement Division announced Thursday.

Kevin Brennan, 47, is charged with first-degree misdemeanor animal cruelty.

Brennan allegedly shot his female pit bull terrier, Ramona, at close range with a .38-caliber handgun in November 2012.

Officials said the bullet entered the top of Ramona's skull and exited the right side of her face, leaving fragments inside the wound.

After Brennan allegedly shot the dog, she remained "bright and alert," according to a release from the PSPCA. He then brought her to a local veterinary hospital, where he opted to have her put down.

An investigation was launched after hospital staff told PSPCA Officer Elizabeth Anderson of the shooting.

"No dog should have to go through what Ramona did," Anderson said in a statement. "It was a horrible death."

A charge of first-degree misdemeanor animal cruelty in Pennsylvania carries a maximum possible penalty of 2 years in prison and a $1,000 fine.