Will Bismarck Squirrel Killer Face Justice?

A Bismarck man may face charges in connection with the death of...a squirrel.

The Bismarck Tribune reports police responded to call Saturday about a squirrel struck by a dart.

Officers spoke with a resident of the area (North 20th Street) who admitted to striking the squirrel with the dart. The squirrel later died of its injuries.

Police say the man may be in violation of a "throwing of missiles" statute in the city, under which "it is unlawful for any person to throw or discharge any stone, snowball or any similar object or other missile...at any building...or at any person."

A spokesman for the city attorney's office suggested that animal cruelty laws may apply as well. Those charges, if applicable, would go through the Burleigh County State's Attorney's Office.

Still, it remains to be seen whether charges will actually be filed. "The point...is to keep people from throwing stuff at other peoples' stuff."

[Source: Bismarck Tribune]