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NATCHEZ — A trial for a Natchez man who allegedly shot and killed his neighbor’s dog in January was dismissed Tuesday in Adams County Justice Court.

Attorney Paul Sullivan, who was filling in for County Prosecutor Carmen Brooks in Justice Court Tuesday, said a charge of aggravated animal cruelty was dismissed because Brooks plans to file a criminal mischief charge instead.

Chance Fenn, 26, was initially charged with aggravated animal cruelty in connection to the Jan. 24 incident near Roxie and Liberty roads, said Karen Ewing, Adams County Sheriff’s deputy.

Mississippi law states that aggravated cruelty to a dog or cat is considered a misdemeanor for the first offense and is punishable with six months in prison or a fine up to $2,500 whereas a misdemeanor charge of criminal mischief is punishable with a $1,000 fine and up to 12 months in prison.

Brian Breaux said he and his 21-year-old son, Jonathan, adopted the dog, a black Labrador, as a puppy and raised him and never knew the dog to be aggressive.

Breaux said he saw the dog on camera at approximately 7 p.m. walking away from his property on Liberty Road toward Fenn’s hunting camp several yards away.

Within 15 minutes of the time the footage was captured, Breaux said he and his neighbor heard three gunshots.

“He was our household pet,” Breaux said. “We have told this young man — he knows we have animals — and we told him if our dog ever bothers you to call us.”