Russell Middleton convicted of shooting Beefcakes the pit bull

A Longmont man charged with shooting his pit bull in the face, leaving the dog with a shattered jaw, has been convicted of animal cruelty.

The Daily Camera reports that Russell Middleton was found guilty of the charge in connection with the July shooting of Beefcakes. He's still awaiting trial on charges of unlawful weapon possession, violating bail bond conditions and violating a criminal protection order.

Prosecutors said Middleton shot Beefcakes in the face after the dog got into a fight with his girlfriend's Chihuahua. Middleton's attorneys maintain that their client didn't shoot the dog.

Vets said Beefcakes wasshot at close range and that the bullet fractured his jaw bone in multiple locations. Beefcakes went through multiple surgeries last year to repair the damage.

Beefcakes was adopted into a new home, with four children, in April.