A 17-year-old girl who says a neighbour shot her dog right in front of her took the stand at Saskatoon provincial court Tuesday.
The neighbour, Eugene Krawchuk, is accused of killing Bentley, a nine-month-old St. Bernard dog, last April on his property near St. Denis, northeast of Saskatoon. He is charged with unlawfully killing a dog, using a firearm in a careless manner and possessing a firearm without a license. His wife, Laurie Krawchuk, is also charged with possessing a firearm without a license.
The couple’s trial began Tuesday.
Lianne Price, 17, testified her dog Bentley roamed onto the Krawchuk’s pasture April 11, 2013. She said Laurie warned her that if she didn’t get her dog off the Krawchuk’s property, they would shoot Bentley.
Price begged with Eugene not to shoot her dog, but said her neighbour ignored the pleas. She tried to call her dog over but the dog stayed in the pasture. Eugene tracked the dog with his rifle, Price said, and at one point the gun was aimed at her as Bentley ran behind her.
Krawchuk allegedly shot Bentley when the dog moved to the side.
Price, who was still on the stand Tuesday afternoon, testified the dog died in her arms within a few minutes. The trial will continue Wednesday.
Lianne Price’s father, Michael Price, is charged with assaulting Eugene following the incident. His trial is set for March.
