The Bellingham Herald reports that David William Latham faces charges of felony animal cruelty, among others. His attorney, Adrian Madrone, says his client feels terrible.
Police Lt. Bob Vander Yacht says Latham admitted he shot the dog and that "something made him go over the edge, beyond reason."
Authorities say Latham walked across the street Saturday, aimed his gun over his neighbors' backyard fence and shot the dog. Owner Loyce Andrews says her husband, Cary Chunyk, ran after Latham but stopped when Latham brandished the gun.
The dog died in the backyard.
Other neighbors heard a dog barking and whining at a nearby home for hours after the shooting. AP