Muskogee County pair charged with animal abuse

June 16, 2009 06:00 pm

— MUSKOGEE, Okla. (AP) — A man and woman in Muskogee County are charged with felony animal abuse for allegedly killing and skinning a puppy.

Authorities say 26-year-old Austin Mullins took the 7-week-old terrier to a park and shot it at least 10 times. Investigators say the animal was then given to 23-year-old Krystal Lewis who skinned it.

Sheriff's deputy George Roberson says Lewis wanted to make a belt out of the hide.

Both Mullins and Lewis face up to five years in prison if convicted.