SMETHPORT — A Mount Jewett man was sentenced Thursday in McKean County Court to serve at least 15 months in state prison for shooting a dog in May of 2020.
Christopher Julian, 47, was sentenced to 15 to 36 months in state prison after being convicted at trial of the following charges: aggravated cruelty to animals (deadly weapon used), defiant trespass, and cruelty to animals (deadly weapon used).
Julian was convicted of shooting a dog in the back at a Mount Jewett property where he had previously been warned not to enter by the property owner. The dog was treated by veterinarians and survived.
The case was investigated by Trooper Christopher Barr of the Pennsylvania State police. District Attorney Stephanie L. Vettenburg-Shaffer prosecuted the case on behalf of the Commonwealth.
The defendant was also ordered not to own any animals or firearms, and he was ordered to pay restitution to the dog’s owner for the veterinarian bills. The sentencing had been scheduled for Dec. 2, 2021 but was delayed when the defendant failed to appear, and a bench warrant was issued for him at that time.
