Alabama man convicted of killing elderly rescue dog Jack

John Patrick Bannan, 56, has been found guilty of aggravated cruelty to animals by a Marshall County jury in Alabama. The conviction relates to the killing of Jack, a beloved elderly Australian Shepherd, in Union Grove.

The Marshall County District Attorney's Office said evidence showed Bannan called Jack over, grabbed him by the fur, slammed him onto pavement and beat him, an act captured on video. He then shot the dog, disposed of the body and lied to investigators, before admitting the attack at trial while arguing it was justified because Jack had trespassed on his property.

Prosecutors said Bannan ignored reasonable options, such as returning the harmless dog home. District Attorney Jennifer Bray said the law does not allow killing a dog simply for entering one's property. Bannan now faces sentencing before Circuit Judge Matt Elliott.