State v. . Dickens

The defendant was charged with willfully and needlessly killing a dog in violation of C. S., 4483. The jury returned a verdict of guilty, and from judgment thereon defendant appealed. The statute, C. S., 4483, makes it unlawful to "willfully injure . . . needlessly mutilate or kill . . . any useful beast or animal." The willful killing of a dog is embraced within the prohibition of the statute. S. v.Smith, 156 N.C. 628, 72 S.E. 321; S. v. Clifton, 152 N.C. 800,67 S.E. 751.

The manner and circumstances of the killing of the dog as disclosed by the evidence were not controverted. The defendant…