William Gray allegedly shot hunting dog
A Sumter, SC man, William Gray, was ordered to pay $132,000 for killing a hunting dog in 2023. The dog, Annabelle, was owned by Ernest Causey. The judgement took place during a civil trial brought by Causey.
On Sept. 23, 2023, Causey and his son-in-law Garrett Williamson were participating in a dog drive. Annabelle and one of their other hunting dogs crossed onto Gray’s land. Gray was hunting from a deer stand, saw the two dogs, and shot Annabelle twice, killing her, according to records from South Carolina’s Third Judicial Circuit. Gray allegedly shot at the other dog too, but missed.
The $132,000 judgement was ordered by Judge Charles J. McCutchen, who presided over the hearing, which took place on Feb. 3, 2025. McCutchen ordered Gray to pay $22,000 for actual damages, and another $110,000 for punitive damages, for a total of $132,000.
The judge came to these figures through determining the value of Annabelle, as well as for future litters she may have had if still living, along with punitive damages for harassment aimed at Causey’s family after shooting Annabelle. McCutchen found that Gray bragged about killing Annabelle on Facebook, and continuing to harass the family for some time after the incident took place.
Aside from granting the $132,000 judgement, McCutchen also said Gray could still be charged for a felony in criminal court.
“The Defendant intentionally killed the Plaintiff’s dog and intentionally harassed the Plaintiff and his family,” said the judge. “The record is replete with evidence the Defendant’s actions caused extraordinary harm to the Plaintiff. Authorities charged the Defendant with the intentional killing of a hunting dog, and the criminal case against him remains pending as of the issuance of this Order.”
Be the first to comment