Both parties involved in a Vermillion dog shooting that led to the death of two American Bulldogs last month are facing charges for violating city ordinances.
Vermillion city attorney Jim McCulloch said both senior Elizabeth Bohnenkamp and graduate student Donald Hixon broke the law in their roles in the Nov. 15 shooting when Hixon killed two unleashed dogs after they began attacking his husky in his backyard.
Bohnenkamp has been formally charged with one count of dog at large for walking her boyfriend’s two dogs without leashes and faces a $51 fine. Hixon has been charged with one count of discharging a firearm within city limits and faces a $151 fine.
Bohnenkamp could not be reached for comment.
According to the police report, Hixon fired three shots, two of which were
legal, McCulloch said.
“Because there is a statute that permits him to kill a dog that is worrying or injuring a domestic animal, on his premises, the two shots he fired at the dogs were authorized,” McCulloch said. “There was a third shot that was fired either into the air or into the ground, depending on who you’re talking to, and that shot is why he is being charged.”
Hixon said he intends to fight the charge.
“The warning shot was in the hopes that the other two shots didn’t have to happen,” Hixon said. “I stand by what I did and I am going to try to fight (the charge) out of necessity.”
Clay County State’s Attorney Teddi Gertsma said she attempted to bring charges against Hixon for reckless discharge of a firearm; however, she could not get a grand jury to indict him.
Both Hixon and Bohnenkamp have court dates set for Dec. 23.
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