Annapolis Man Shoots Dog That Ate Pillow: Police

ANNAPOLIS, MD — An Annapolis area man told police he shot his dog to end its suffering after it ate a pillow and became seriously ill. The owner was arrested on several charges by Anne Arundel County. Officers responded to a call of gun shots fired in the 400 block of Master Derby Court in Annapolis about 12:30 p.m. Tuesday.

When officers spoke with the homeowner — William Mitchell Harrell, 53, of the 400 block of Master Derby Court — he told them that his two-year-old German shepherd had been sick for several days after it ate a foam pillow. The ailing dog had not eaten or drank water for days and was having tremors and vomiting.

Because of the dog’s poor condition, Harrell decided to end its life and shot it with his .25 caliber handgun. He then began to bury the dog in his back yard when Animal Control was notified and officers went to the scene and recovered the dog’s remains.

Harrell was arrested and charged with felony animal cruelty, discharging a firearm within a residential area, and reckless endangerment.

»Photo of William Harrell of Annapolis, courtesy of Anne Arundel County Police