North Fort Myers man convicted for shooting dog

A man convicted of aggravated animal cruelty among other charges on Wednesday could face up to 21 years in prison, according to the state attorney’s office.

Ricky Eugene Richey, 56, was in his yard in North Fort Myers drinking with his cousin when their two dogs started to fight, the state attorney’s office said. After separating the dogs, Richey went inside and got a revolver.

Richey walked outside and shot his cousin’s pit bull, “Bodee,” once in the back, said the state attorney’s office. He then pointed his gun at his cousin who fled and called the police.

The cousin’s girlfriend was asleep in a barn by the home and got up when she heard the gunshot, said the state attorney’s office. She went into the house where she tried to comfort the bleeding dog who had retreated inside.

After holding and trying to comfort the dog, she was confronted by Richey who dragged her outside and pointed a gun at her head, said the state attorney’s office. She was able grab the gun from him and run toward deputies who arrived at the scene.

The dog survived the shooting.