Man charged with shooting dog with bow and arrows

Man charged with shooting dog with bow and arrows

May 4, 2007

By ERICA ESTEP
6 News Reporter

MORRISTOWN (WATE) -- Charges were filed against the man who called in to report finding a dog that survived being shot at least three times with a bow and arrows.

David Thomas, 43, of Morristown is charged with aggravated animal cruelty.

Thomas was arraigned in court Friday. He has surrendered archery equipment to investigators and signed a statement about the incident.

The small terrier mix dog, nicknamed "Archer," survived being shot with three hunting arrows. Animal Control officers found the young male dog behind Thomas' home on Springvale Road on Tuesday, April 24.

Animal control officer Richard Hart says he's relieved that Archer's shooter has been charged. "Archer laid all night long injured without any assistance from anyone until we were actually called the next day to come and pick him up."

Tips from the public helped Hamblen County animal control officers zero in on Thomas. "He wasn't remorseful at all about it," Hart says. "I think he's more concerned about what's going to happen to him in the future."

Officers say two female dogs in heat attracted Archer to the home.

Dr. Richard Hewitt of Richfield Animal Hospital in Morristown has been taking care of Archer. He says the dog was shot at least three times. One arrow was still lodged in his right rear leg when he arrived at the vet. He was also shot in the neck and chest.

Archer had successful surgery to repair his leg Monday. Hewitt is thrilled with the dog's improvement.

"He is also healing emotionally. Usually, we don't think of emotions in a dog but they definitely have them," Hewitt says. "He is learning to trust again and it's nice to see a smile come back on his face." 

The Humane Society is looking for someone to adopt Archer. They've received calls from all over the country.

The Morristown/Hamblen County Humane Society is accepting donations to help pay for Archer's medical bills. You can send a donation to: 
300 Dice Street
Morristown, TN 37814