Man pleads guilty to shooting and killing neighbor’s dog in Colorado Springs

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) - In El Paso County Court on December 11, 2024, Ryan Longo pleaded guilty to one count of felony aggravated animal cruelty.

"I needlessly killed a dog at my apartment with a pistol," Longo stated in the courtroom.

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On February 5, 2024, Longo shot a neighbor's dog to death. The black lab was named Zoey.

Michael Farenbruchs son, Sean, was taking Zoey out for a walk to help her owner who had a leg injury at the time.

When Ryan Longo approached them, his dad said Sean tried to walk away from Longo.

"He went around to avoid him and then only to be confronted, at the exit of the corridor that he was in," shared Michael Farenbruchs.

KRDO13 obtained a video of Sean with Zoey. The video shows Longo approaching them and shooting Zoey five times.  

"He reaches into his pocket like he's going to pull out a treat, pulls out a gun, and shoots out. Not once, but five times," said Farenbruchs.

The shooting left Farenbruchs' son traumatized. He tells KRDO13 that Sean struggled to walk his own dog following the attack.

Zoey’s owner had to hear the news that her dog was killed. Today she told KRDO13 Zoey was “the sweetest dog that loved people.” Zoey's owner tells KRDO13 she rescued Zoey from its owner who had terminal cancer.

KRDO13 confronted Longo outside of the courtroom.

"No comment. Thank you," said Longo.

As a part of pleading guilty, his other charge of felony menacing was dropped. Sean's father was disappointed to find out that charge was being dropped.

"I said, that's ridiculous. He did this. He needs to face the consequences of his actions. And my son deserves justice. Zoey deserves justice. Zoey's owner deserves justice," stated Farenbruchs.

Longo faces up to six years in prison. His sentencing is set for March 19, 2025.