Longmont man convicted of shooting Beefcakes the pit bull

A Longmont man charged with shooting his pit bull in the face, leaving the dog with a shattered jaw, has been convicted of animal cruelty.

The Daily Camera reports that Russell Middleton was found guilty of the charge on Thursday in connection with the July shooting of Beefcakes. He’s still awaiting trial on charges of unlawful weapon possession, violating bail bond conditions and violating a criminal protection order.

Prosecutors say Middleton shot Beefcakes in the face after the dog got into a fight with his girlfriend’s Chihuahua. Middleton’s attorneys maintain that their client didn’t shoot the dog.

Beefcakes was adopted into a new home in April after undergoing a series of surgeries, including one to remove the bullet and another to remove pieces of bone in his jaw.