TheDenverChannel.com










Denver News
E-Mail News Alerts
Get breaking news and daily headlines.
Browse all e-mail newsletters
Related To Story
Devin Shane Calhoun
Family members say that when Devin Shane Calhoun learned that the family dog took food from his plate, Calhoun took the dog outside and shot it.

Jail, Treatment Ordered For Jeffco Man Who Shot Dog

Judge Orders Calhoun To Continue Mental Health Therapy

POSTED: 8:43 pm MDT June 12, 2008
UPDATED: 7:39 am MDT June 13, 2008

A Conifer man was sentenced Thursday for shooting the family dog in front of his four children after the dog took food off his plate.

Calling his actions "shocking," the district judge sentenced Devin Shane Calhoun, 36, to 45 days in the county jail and three years of probation. He also has to complete 12 sessions of animal abuse treatment and attend 36 weeks of domestic violence classes.

In August 2007, Calhoun was at home with his wife and four children when the family's pet -- a 5-month-old border collie named Lucky -- snagged food off his plate, which was on the coffee table.

Calhoun, who was intoxicated, grabbed his loaded 44. caliber revolver, took the dog outside and shot it.

Fortunately, the gunshot just grazed Lucky and he ran away, returning the next day after Calhoun was taken into custody.

When deputies arrived on the day of the shooting, Calhoun told them that he had shot the dog, which he had presumed was dead.

Attorneys on both side agreed that Calhoun has significant mental health issues, for which he had been prescribed medication. But Calhoun admitted he had stopped taking the medication and attemptted to use alcohol or illegal drugs to self-medicate.

Because of this, pre-sentence evaluators deemed him a "high risk to reoffend." Shortly after Calhoun was arrested and charged in this case, he was arrested in Park County on charges of driving under the influence.

Prosecutor Elly Peirson expressed concern that while Calhoun has mental health issues he chose not to take his medication that day and took his anger out on the family dog. She cited research that shows a correlation between animal abuse and violence against humans. One study she referred to, done at Northeastern University in Massachusetts, reports that people who abuse animals are five times more likely to commit violence against a human.

District Judge Lily Oeffler said she was very concerned that a man who knew he had mental health issues had a loaded revolver in his house where his wife and four children live.

Oeffler further said that while she was glad Lucky was all right, she was concerned about the effect on his children.

She ordered that he comply with mental health treatment, including taking prescribed medication and therapy, and said he should find and keep a job.

In January, Calhoun pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count of cruelty to animals and a misdemeanor count of using a weapon while drunk.


Links We Like
Sponsored Content
There is no absolute number of drinks per day that defines alcoholism. Learn the behavior and body reactions that constitute alcoholism. More

If you’re starting to feel like your home needs a little warmth, try these helpful hints to make your living space just a little more cozy. More

If you’re feeling like you’re not doing what you’re supposed to, take this quiz and take control of your working destiny. More

With the holiday season fast approaching, most of us plan to repeat the new-age tradition of online shopping. Check out the best sites and find that perfect gift for less. More

Don’t be left out. Make the switch to Digital TV.

MyReport Network

E - News Registration focus group
  My Report Network: Tell your story on 7NEWS. Sign up to be a member of our My Report Network
Sponsored Links

MyReport Network

E - News Registration focus group
  My Report Network: Tell your story on 7NEWS. Sign up to be a member of our My Report Network

Job Searching Tips