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Man accused of shooting dog with crossbow arrested over weekend; Dog survives

MOUNT OLIVER, Pa. — Police said a Mount Oliver man who is accused of shooting a dog with an arrow was arrested over the weekend.

Jesse Fitzgerald, 31, is accused of shooting his mother's dog with a crossbow around midnight Saturday on Griffin Avenue. Investigators said the animal was later found on Fernleaf Street with the bow still in the middle of its head.

Fitzgerald's mother spoke to Channel 11's Brittny McGraw on Monday. Kathy Timlin said she thinks her son shot the dog because it was playing too rough with a puppy and the owner of the dog asked him to do something about it.

"She was yelling at Jesse to do something to the dog, so Jesse did," Timlin said.

According to the criminal complaint, Fitzgerald admitted to shooting the dog named Kila. Police said Fitzgerald tried removing the arrow from the dog's head, but was unable to do so and left the animal on the street.

"I think he needs help. I really do think he needs help," Timlin said. "It just hurts me. He's in jail and now I won't ever see my dog again."

The dog was taken to an emergency veterinarian clinic for treatment. Timlin said Kila is now at a shelter.

Fitzgerald remains in the Allegheny County Jail on two counts of cruelty to animals.