74-year-old facing charges in puppy death

A 74-year-old Lake Samish woman who allegedly shot and killed a neighbor’s puppy last month may face felony animal cruelty charges.

Evelyn Wade, of the 500 block of Cedar Acres Street, is scheduled to appear in Whatcom County District Court Dec. 11 after receiving a citation Sept. 14 for allegedly discharging a .22 rifle in the direction of neighbors the same day.

Whatcom County Sheriff Bill Elfo said his office is recommending additional felony charges in the death of the dog after completing an investigation of the incident.

A spokesman for the Whatcom County Prosecutor’s Office said the case has not yet been assigned to a prosecutor.

In a September interview, Wade said she shot Bandit, her neighbor’s 6-month-old golden retriever puppy, after it came into her yard and knocked over a birdhouse.

Bandit’s owners, Jim and Victoria Hassi, said the dog was paralyzed by a shot to his spine and was later euthanized.