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Man Facing Charges After Shooting Dog With Crossbow

MOUNT OLIVER (KDKA) – A man is facing animal cruelty charges after shooting his pit bull with a crossbow over the weekend.

Mt. Oliver Police showed KDKA-TV's Heather Abraham the picture of 2-year-old Kila with the arrow still stuck in her head.

According to police, she was shot early Saturday morning by her owner, 31-year-old Jesse Fitzgerald.

"It's just sad because I miss Kila, with all my heart. I love that dog," Fitzgerald's mother, Kathy Timlin said.

Police said Timlin flagged an officer down Saturday shortly after midnight and said she heard the dog yelping and was concerned.

Pittsburgh Police later found the pit bull in the snow on Fernleaf Street in the South Side Slopes.

Timlin said her son only shot the dog because his girlfriend demanded he do it after Kila was playing rough with her puppy.

"His girlfriend said do something with your [expletive] dog. And she was yelling at Jesse to do something to the dog. So Jesse did," Timlin said.

According to court papers, Fitzgerald eventually admitted to hurting Kila. He allegedly told police that he even tried to pull the arrow out. He was arrested and the dog was taken to an emergency clinic for treatment.

"He needs help. He really needs help," Timlin said.

The family said Fitzgerald is due in court on Wednesday. He's currently facing two counts of animal cruelty.

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