Willmar area man accused of shooting puppies

WILLMAR, Minn. (AP) — A Willmar area man faces felony charges for allegedly threatening a man with a gun and shooting seven puppies.

Terence Schwartz, 57, appeared in court Monday on charges of second-degree assault and animal cruelty.

Sheriff's deputies were called Saturday to a home on a report of someone shooting dogs and waving a gun around. A man said Schwartz pointed the gun at him in a dispute over dogs. Schwartz denied pointing the gun at the man and said he got the pistol after the man hit him and also to shoot the dogs, which belonged to a renter.

Five puppies died at the scene and two died after being taken to a veterinary clinic by their owner.

Schwartz remained in jail Tuesday. His next court appearance is Nov. 9.