Man arrested for shooting dog 12 times

(CBS/KMOX) ST. LOUIS, Mo. - Ron Jackson, of St. Louis, faces felony animal abuse charges after detectives say they linked him to a crime in which a dog was shot 12 times, choked with an electrical cord and thrown in a dumpster.

According to CBS St. Louis, a city employee discovered the abused dog in September and notified the Stray Rescue of St. Louis. The rescue and shelter group then worked with the mayor's Animal Cruelty Task Force to identify a suspect and ultimately make an arrest on Monday, Nov. 19.

The dog, renamed OP (short for Optimus Prime), is partially paralyzed because of a bullet lodged near his spine, but with the help of a donated, custom-built cart he can now walk. OP remains in the care of Randy Grim, the founder of Stray Rescue of St. Louis, and has been instrumental in helping the dog recover.

"The fact that OP's abuser could be brought to justice after his violent crime shows that the mayor's task force continues to make great strides in the fight against animal abuse and neglect in our neighborhoods," said Grim. "The message that this criminal behavior will not be tolerated is getting louder."

"This partnership is working on many levels," said Mayor Francis Slay. "First, our Refuse Division employee was attentive enough to find this animal and bring it to Stray Rescue's attention. Stray Rescue was able to give the dog another chance for a good life. And now, thanks to the Animal Cruelty Task Force, the individual will be brought to justice."

The Animal Cruelty Task Force, formed in late September, is averaging an arrest per week.