A Jefferson City man will face a December trial after he allegedly shot a horse and dragged it behind a vehicle while it was still alive earlier this year.

Gary Perdue, 70, was charged with three counts of felony criminal endangerment and a felony charge of aggravated animal cruelty stemming from the June 28 incident.

According to an affidavit filed in Jefferson County District Court, sheriff's deputies were called to Perdue's residence in Jefferson City by two people who had gone there to pick up two horses.

When they told Perdue that one of the horses, Chips, had some defects, Perdue allegedly grabbed a weapon and shot the horse while the two people and another woman were standing near it.

According to the document, Perdue then allegedly tied the horse around the neck and dragged it behind his truck while the horse was kicking its legs and lifting its head, trying to get up.

A two-day trial is scheduled Dec. 16 for Perdue. He is being represented by public defender Bryan Norcross.

Reporter Marga Lincoln: 447-4074 or marga.lincoln@helenair.com