West Branch man accused of killing girlfriend's puppy

A 39-year old West Branch man has been accused of killing his girlfriend's new puppy.

According to a criminal complaint, Chadwick D. Schultz, of 5535 340th St. NE, became involved in a heated argument with his girlfriend on Jan. 2 at his residence. His girlfriend locked herself in the bathroom, and according the report, heard her 7-week-old English Mastiff puppy yelping in pain.

Schultz's girlfriend told deputies that when she came out of the bathroom, she found her puppy, a Christmas gift from her brother, dead on the floor, next to Schultz.

According to the report, Schultz was “highly agitated” during the argument, and when his girlfriend yelled at him he responded, “It was an accident.”

Deputies, who did not have any further information Tuesday received the report from the Department of Human Services.

Schultz remained at the Johnson County Jail. The case is still under investigation.

The puppy, which weighed approximately 14 pounds, was reportedly “healthy, sturdy and happy.