A Letcher County man has now been indicted in the alleged torture death of a dog.

39-year-old Jason Lucas, of Ragweed Road near the Colson community, was indicted on a felony charge of torture of a dog or cat with physical injury or death. According to court documents, Lucas shot and killed the dog, named Spike, at Pistol City on January 7th.

Letcher County Sheriff’s Deputy Alisha Congleton told EKB News Lucas stated the dog had attacked one on his dogs and he shot at it to run it off. She said Lucas also said he followed the dog down the road and shot it out of fear it would attack a child.

Congleton said Lucas shot the dog in the witness of a small child who begged him not to shoot the dog. The deputy also said she found no evidence that any persons or animals had been attacked by Spike, or was in danger of being attacked.

Lucas remains free on bond, but could face up to five years in prison if he is convicted on the torture charge.