Millionaire 'shot dog for killing peacock'

A millionaire land owner has been charged with criminal damage after he allegedly shot dead a dog he believed killed one of his peacocks.

Michael Cuttell, 63, a former JP, is accused of opening fire on Misty, a four-year-old terrier, after finding the body of one of his prized birds in the grounds of his Cotswolds home.

He is reported to have feared that the dog was about to attack another bird and has insisted he had every right to kill her.

Misty's owner, company boss David Baker, denies Misty was responsible.

Mr Baker, 52, is managing director of a firm which operates from a small industrial estate on land owned by Mr Cuttell alongside his palatial home at Ullenwood, Gloucestershire.

He described Misty as a "company mascot loved by everyone" and said he could not believe anyone could do "such a cold-hearted thing".

Mr Baker complained about the shooting in February which led to the police and RSPCA being called in.

Mr Cuttell, parish council chairman in Coberley, near Cheltenham, has been summoned to appear before magistrates in Swindon on 29 July.

The case is to be heard in Swindon rather than Gloucestershire because of Mr Cuttell's past service as a JP in the county.

He is also accused of failing to comply with the conditions of his firearms licence. The offence carries a maximum sentence of six months at a magistrates court and up to 10 years if heard at a Crown Court.

Mr Cuttell has interests in a helicopter flying school in nearby Staverton and a cutlery firm in Sheffield. He has owned peacocks, which are worth £50 each, for 25 years. Hundreds of visitors come to his estate to see them every year.