ORLANDO, Fla.,None — A man caught on video shooting two dogs was cleared of all charges by a judge Wednesday. The judge ruled the state couldn't prove its case against 52-year-old Christopher Comins.
Moments after the state rested its animal cruelty case, the defense made a motion for an immediate acquittal for Comins. The defense argued, witness testimony and video evidence aside, the state hadn't met the burden of its case.
The judge agreed.
In a surprising turn of events, the Orange County jury never got the chance to deliberate the animal cruelty charges filed against Comins. Instead, minutes after the state rested its case, Judge Bob LeBlanc ruled on a defense motion to dismiss the charges.
"I don't believe the state has met its burden and I'm granting a judgment of acquittal. This case is dismissed," Judge LeBlanc said.
Some in the courtroom had trouble restraining their enthusiasm. Comins, who rejected an earlier plea offer, also appeared to be relieved.
Comins was charged with two felony counts of cruelty to animals for shooting a pair of Siberian huskies that ran onto a south Orange County ranch off Narcoossee Road. The may 2008 shooting was captured on video and posted on YouTube, where it created an uproar.
Comins attormeys maintained the defendant was protecting cattle, which is a defense under Florida law.
After the ruling, Comins finally broke his silence.
"I didn't go out there to shoot someone's pets. Unfortunately, that's what happened. It's very regretful situation. I'm glad both dogs are doing fine," he said.
Although injured, both dogs did survive the shooting. Their owner, Chris Butler, was stunned by the court's ruling.
"I'm not happy with what happened here. I'll be watching the press to see if he does anything else. And if he does, I'm going to raise hell," Butler said.
The criminal case is over, but there are still two civil cases pending. Comins has filed lawsuits against the dog's owner and a blogger for statements they made related to the case.
Previous Stories: January 11, 2011: Testimony Continues In Dog Shooting Trial
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