HENRY COUNTY, Va. (rbs news now) — A 48-year-old Axton man has been charged after a dog was shot Sunday in the Axton community, according to the Henry County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies responded March 1 to the 300 block of Robin Road after receiving a report that a dog had been shot.

Authorities said the complainant told deputies she heard two gunshots coming from a neighboring residence while inside her home.

When she went outside, she found her pet Chihuahua had been hit by gunfire.

Deputies observed multiple blood trails and an apparent gunshot wound to the groin area of the dog.

The animal was transported to an emergency veterinary clinic for treatment.

The complainant identified her neighbor as Brad Lamont Flood.

Deputies determined Flood had left the area before law enforcement arrived but later returned to speak with deputies after being contacted by phone.

Flood told deputies the dog and several others were in his backyard, barking and refusing to leave.

He said he got a firearm from inside his home and fired one shot in the dogs’ direction in an attempt to scare them away.

He told investigators he did not believe he struck any of the animals.

Deputies said they recovered a 9mm handgun at the scene that was missing two rounds from the magazine, consistent with the report that two shots were fired.

Based on physical evidence, witness statements and the dog’s injuries, Flood was arrested and charged with maiming of a companion animal and animal cruelty.

Flood was brought before a magistrate and is being held at the Henry County Adult Detention Center on a $1,000 secured bond.

Sheriff Wayne Davis said the safety of the community includes the protection of companion animals and said that Virginia law prohibits shooting a companion animal solely because it is on someone’s property.

Sheriff Davis said acts of violence against people or animals will be taken seriously and investigated thoroughly.

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