WAUSAU, Wis (WSAU) A Wausau man was arrested yesterday for killing his dog with a riffle.

Wausau police say the man was trying to euthanize the animal because it was old and sick. He shot his pet German Sheppard in his yard on Lincoln Street around 11am.

Police say the man had been drinking. He's being charged with possession of a firearm while intoxicated. It is also illegal to euthanize an animal by shooting it. The District Attorney's office will review the case and decide on additional charges.

The suspect's name will be released when he makes his initial court appearance.