Duluth Man, 78, Charged with Aggravated Animal Cruelty and Firearms Offenses in Gwinnett County

Following a violent incident involving a trapped dog, Gwinnett County authorities have arrested a man on several offenses, including aggravated cruelty to animals. According to Gwinnett County’s official news release, an animal trapper found a dead dog at a home on Citrus Drive in Duluth on Wednesday, and officers responded to the distress call.

When Central Precinct officers arrived, they discovered that the homeowner, Richard Beatty Hart, 78, had shot a husky after it fell into a trap he had placed. According to Hart, he acted because the dog was after his cats. The tragic truth of the issue was confirmed by Gwinnett County Animal Control: the dog had passed away.

According to the Gwinnett County Police, he was also charged with reckless behavior, possessing a firearm while committing specific charges, and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. After the incident, Hart was placed under arrest.

Since then, the public has received a strong warning from animal control officers that no one should try to handle a captured, domesticated animal by themselves. To ensure a competent and safe disposal of the animal, they advise people to call the Gwinnett County non-emergency line or emergency services instead. According to the same news release, the county’s non-emergency number is 770.513.5700.

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