MARION COUNTY, Fla. - A Summerfield man is behind bars for severely injuring his neighbor’s dog after shooting the animal in the head.

Marion County Sheriff’s deputies said earlier this month, 52-year-old Michael St. Louis reported he shot a dog after it attacked him in his front yard. When officers arrived, the dog was found with a severe gunshot wound to its head.

Investigators determined that the dog was actually shot on its owner’s property and had not been loose. Deputies confronted St. Louis about the conflicting evidence and he admitted he shot the dog while it was in its own yard.

St. Louis was arrested and taken to the Marion County Jail. He faces animal cruelty and trespassing charges.

The dog underwent surgery following the shooting. It is not clear whether the dog survived.