Milwaukee Man Found Guilty of Shooting Neighbor Over Dog Dispute

woman carrying dog over shoulder
(Photo Credit: Pekic | Getty Images)

A man was found guilty of shooting his neighbor over a dog dispute in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Douglas Hamsher, 72, now faces up to 25 years in prison.

Man shoots neighbor over dog

According to FOX 6, the shooting occurred near 79th and Hampton. Gertrude Byrd was Hamsher’s neighbor for eight years. During that time, she told the news outlet she “never had a problem” with him. Then, on Aug. 14, 2022, Byrd was outside while her children rode their bikes. Byrd’s dog jumped up on the fence. Allegedly, Hamsher threatened to shoot the dog.

“I said, ‘If you shoot my dog, you’re going to have to shoot me, too,’” Byrd recalled. “He started swearing. He started saying all this crazy stuff. Like, he made some racial slurs, and he started shooting.”

Hamsher started firing. He shot Byrd in the shoulder. Bullets also hit her garden and home. Byrd went to the hospital for emergency medical treatment.

Police arrived to find Hamsher on his porch. His gun was next to him. After he was in custody, Hamsher confessed to the shooting. Additionally, police found five bullet casings at the scene. No further information on the dog was available.

Douglas Hamsher was found guilty of first-degree reckless injury by a jury. His sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 10.

How to respond if a neighbor has an issue with your dog

There is no excuse for violence between neighbors. However, if your neighbor has a problem with your dog, there may be ways to prevent the issue from escalating.

First, address the situation with empathy and open communication. Start by listening to their concerns and understanding their perspective. Respect their right to a peaceful living environment. Also, acknowledge that your dog’s behavior may be causing distress.

Next, assess the issue objectively. Is your dog barking excessively, running loose, or causing any other disturbances? Once you identify the problem, take steps to rectify it. This may involve training your dog, reducing barking triggers, or improving security measures to prevent escapes.

Finally, have a conversation with your neighbor to propose solutions. Compromise is key. If necessary, consult a professional dog trainer or seek advice from a veterinarian to ensure you’re taking the right steps. Show genuine willingness to resolve the issue and be a responsible pet parent. This way, you can maintain a positive relationship with your neighbor and contribute to a more harmonious neighborhood.

portrait of actor Matthew Perry in suit
portrait of actor Matthew Perry in suit

‘Friends’ Co-Star Lisa Kudrow Might Adopt Matthew Perry’s Dog

News 21 hours ago

gray and white toy poodle walking on path
gray and white toy poodle walking on path

Senior Poodle Reunited With Family 5 Years After Going Missing

News 23 hours ago

young girl with her dog at off-leash dog park
young girl with her dog at off-leash dog park

10-Year-Old Wisconsin Girl Opens 1st Glenwood City Dog Park

News 1 day ago

Close-up of paw of sleeping German Shepherd dog
Close-up of paw of sleeping German Shepherd dog

Arizona K-9 Stabbed to Death by Armed Robber

News 2 days ago

man holding Yorkshire Terrier
man holding Yorkshire Terrier

Animal Control Officer Stole Yorkie, Sold Her to New Family

News 2 days ago

The post Milwaukee Man Found Guilty of Shooting Neighbor Over Dog Dispute appeared first on DogTime.