Neighbour from Hell Jailed: Outrage as Elderly Man Walks Free After Shooting and Burying Neighbour’s Beloved Chihuahua
- A 74-year-old man has pleaded guilty to shooting and killing his neighbour’s three-year-old chihuahua, Pablo, and burying its body in a plastic bag.
- The Bunbury court heard that Stanley J Clemons, who had 16 prior charges including stealing and destruction of property, showed no remorse for his actions.
- The owners of the dog, Ken Hopper and Alana Wright, are devastated and feel the eight-month suspended sentence is inadequate for the heinous crime.
In a shocking display of animal cruelty, Clemons shot Pablo after claiming the dog’s barking had been “escalating” for four years. However, the court heard that Clemons had made no previous attempts to address the issue with the owners, despite being a “contributing member” of society.
The disturbing incident unfolded on July 21 when Clemons arrived home to find Pablo barking. He entered his home, collected his .22 calibre handgun, and climbed over the fence into the neighbour’s yard. CCTV footage captured the tragic event, showing Clemons shoot the dog once through a damaged slat in the gate. The dog died moments later.
In a chilling twist, Clemons then picked up the carcass and carried it behind the shed of the property, leaving a trail of blood. He later disposed of the body at a different location, showing a callous disregard for life and the feelings of others.
While magistrate Joanne Andretich expressed her horror at the incident, Clemons avoided jail time and was handed an eight-month suspended sentence and a $5,000 fine. The owners, Ken Hopper and Alana Wright, are devastated by the outcome, with Mr Hopper calling it an “absolute joke.”
“He came into my yard and shot my dog, and then took the body,” Mr Hopper said outside the Bunbury courthouse. “I don’t get any closure to this whatsoever… Pablo never hurt a fly and for that to happen to him, it’s just a p**stake.”
Defence lawyer Paul Chapman attempted to downplay the severity of the crime, claiming Clemons had no prior convictions and was “extremely remorseful” for his actions. However, the court heard that Clemons had a history of irresponsibly storing firearms, with multiple guns and ammunition found both under his bed and on his bedside table.
The case has sparked outrage in the community, with many calling for tougher penalties for animal cruelty. As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: justice has not been served for poor Pablo and his grieving owners.