A man who shot and killed a dog outside a department store has been convicted of animal cruelty and given a two-year suspended sentence and one-year probation.
Vicha Boonluelak, 33, was caught on video last January driving past the Imperial department store at Lat Phrao, stopping his car as several dogs chased the car, and shooting a female dog, known as “Silly” to locals.
Activist Panita Soontaratta shared the footage online and filed a police report.
Police eventually arrested Vicha, and charged him with illegal possession of firearms, illegally carrying firearms and cruelty against animals, Thai PBS reported.
He was found guilty of all three charges, and in addition to his jail sentence he was fined a total of THB18,500.
Vicha’s jail term was suspended as he was a first-time offender. He must meet with parole officers four times a year and carry out 12 hours of community service.
Vicha said he would not appeal the verdict, and said he had shot the dog in anger as he had been bitten by the stray dogs outside the department store several times before.
Related:
Police search for drive-by dog shooter
Motorist stops long enough to shoot ‘Silly’ dog in Lat Phrao (VIDEO)
