14 News, The Tri-State's News and Weather Leader-Alleged dog killer has criminal past

Alleged dog killer has criminal past

Reporter: Stefanie Silvey
New Media Producer: Rachel Beavin

Update: The dog dragging case goes to court in Owensboro, and 14 News is learning more about the man accused of killing the dog.

William Bowlds is charged with a misdemeanor in the death of Buddy. The animal was chained to the back of a vehicle and dragged to death. Police say Bowlds borrowed the dog to breed him. The courtroom was crowded with people who want the penalty for such cruel acts to be more than a misdemeanor. One woman even booed Bowlds as he came into the courtroom.

And Buddy's owner told 14 News it never entered his mind Bowlds would harm his dog. We have learned that Bowlds has a lengthy criminal record: 36 charges in Kentucky including domestic violence, terroristic threatening, assault, manufacturing methamphetamine, possession of drugs, theft, burglary, and forgery.

Previously: A dog dies after police say it was chained to the rear of a vehicle and dragged for a mile.   Daviess County, Kentucky sheriff's deputies arrested 34-year-old William T. Bowlds on a charge of animal cruelty. Investigators say bowlds dragged the pit bull up and down McFarland Road until it died. The charge against bowlds is a misdemeanor.