On July 27, 2010, the Plymouth County Sheriff's Office received a complaint from Marc and Linda Sommerfeld of rural Plymouth County.

Sommerfeld's advised that their 2 dogs had gotten out of their fenced in yard on July 20, 2010 at approximately 2030 hours.  While looking for the dogs, they learned that their 4 year old Irish Setter had been shot.

On July 21, 2010, the Sommerfeld's dog died as a result of the injuries.  As a result of the investigation, deputies learned that Sommerfeld's dogs had ran onto or across the property of Patrick Dale Sheehan.  Sheehan had retrieved a .22 cal rifle and had fired 6-7 rounds at the 2 dogs.  Sheehan struck the Irish Setter with 1 round from the .22 cal rifle.

As a result,  Patrick Dale Sheehan, age 55, of rural Plymouth County,  was arrested on August 3, 2010.  Sheehan was charged with animal  abuse, an aggravated misdemeanor, and taken to the Plymouth County Jail.  Sheehan has been released on a $2,000 bond.