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Retired Llano County Sheriff’s Deputy Melvin Allen Lawson has been arrested in the shooting death of a dog that wandered into his yard on August 2.

According to Llano Police Chief James Schilling Lawson turned himself in to officials at the Llano County Jail Friday morning just after 10 am. He was charged with non-livestock animal cruelty, a state jail felony.

Lawson, 65, posted a $1000 bond and was released the same day. He could face up to two years in jail, a $10,000 fine, or both.

Lawson allegedly shot Munchee, a two-and-a-half year old Pekinese-mix, at his home in the 1600 block of Oatman Street in Llano on August 2. The .45 caliber bullet entered through one side of the dog’s neck and exited through the other side.

After the shooting, Munchee’s owner, Mary Gomez of San Antonio, and a City of Llano police officer rushed Munchee to a local veterinarian’s office where she was treated for five days. Gomez and Munchee returned to San Antonio after her condition improved. Munchee received blood transfusions and other treatments, but Gomez said she had Munchee put to sleep upon the advice of the San Antonio veterinarian who treated Munchee.

Gomez had come to Llano to visit her daughter and grandchildren on August 1. She didn’t realize the gate had been left open when she let Munchee out on August 2.

Schilling said the case will be referred to the District Attorney’s office.

District Attorney Sam Oatman said it’s not likely Lawson will face additional charges for discharging a firearm within city limits because that restriction is a city adopted ordinance.