State v. Dickens

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 did not go upon the stand. The testimony showed that the defendant intentionally and without cause shot and killed a dog — a valuable pointer — the property of the prosecuting…