Westbrook, Conn./WTIC Radio - A Westbrook man is facing charges after police say he shot and killed his dog.
Wesley Bassett, 51, allegedly told police he did it for humane reasons.
State police responded to a home in town on Tuesday after a veterinary hospital alerted officers that Bassett told them he put the dog down for what he called humane reasons.
Bassett later told police the dog was lame from a tick borne illness.
The animal control officer told police there were no laws on the books permitting owners of pets to euthanize them in such a manner.
Initially, police say Bassett told them someone else shot the dog and he placed it in a wooded area behind the camper where he lived.
Bassett later told police he lied about shooting the dog because as a convicted felon, he wasn't allowed to possess firearms.
Police found a 9mm pistol and live rounds in the camper.
Bassett faces animal cruelty and firearms charges.
Bond was set at $10,000 and he's due in court February 18th.