Maple Shade man gets 5 years in prison for shooting neighbor's therapy dog

MAPLE SHADE, New Jersey (WPVI) -- A judge sentenced a New Jersey man to five years in prison for shooting his neighbor's therapy dog with an air rifle, causing the animal to be euthanized.

The sentence was the result of a plea agreement with William Stroemel, 65, of Maple Shade, the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office said.
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Stroemel, a heavy equipment operator who is also known as 'Wild Willie,' pleaded guilty in April to possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and animal cruelty.

SEE ALSO: Maple Shade man pleads guilty to shooting neighbor's therapy dog


Authorities said Stroemel shot Toby with an air rifle as the 9-year-old Pomeranian-poodle mix passed his home in September 2019. They said Stroemel then gave the gun to an acquaintance and asked him to hold it for him.

A veterinarian determined the dog had been shot in the head and Toby was euthanized the next day.
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Under terms of the plea agreement, Stroemel must make restitution to Toby's owners for the cost of the veterinary care and necropsy, the prosecutor's office said.



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The Associated Press contributed to this report.