Animal Cruelty Cases In Minot, Bismarck To Be Resolved

MINOT, N.D. (AP) — A Minot man accused of animal cruelty has been found not guilty, while a Bismarck man facing the same charge is scheduled to change his not guilty plea.

Both cases were charged under a 2013 state law that makes the crime a felony. In the past three years there has not been a jury conviction in such a case.

James Music of Minot was accused of taping shut a dog's mouth, beating the animal, shooting it in the head and throwing the carcass in a garbage bin last fall. A jury on Tuesday acquitted him.

Kristofer Gilliam of Bismarck is accused of shooting two cats with arrows late last year. Court documents show his trial this week was canceled. He was scheduled to change his plea Wednesday.