January 10, 2026 – Kern County Sheriff’s Office officials report that on January 2, 2026, at approximately 12:50 p.m., Kern County Sheriff’s deputies from the Ridgecrest Substation responded to the 1500 block of North Alford Street for a report of animal cruelty. The caller reported a neighbor had shot and killed another neighbor’s dog, claiming self-defense.

Deputies identified the suspect as Charles Pappe, 63, and located a deceased black-and-white dog with an apparent gunshot wound. Pappe admitted to shooting the dog with a .45 caliber rifle. The firearm and spent casing were recovered.

Investigation revealed Pappe left the area after an alleged dog attack, then returned over 30 minutes later, retrieved a rifle, and shot the dog. Neither Pappe nor his dog showed injuries, and medical aid was declined. Deputies determined the shooting was not self-defense but a premeditated act. Pappe discharged a firearm recklessly in a residential area, killing his neighbor’s dog.

Pappe was arrested for:

PC 597 – Animal Cruelty

PC 246.3 – Negligent Discharge of a Firearm

A search warrant at Pappe’s home led to the seizure of additional firearms and ammunition. He was booked at Lerdo Jail. Kern County Animal Control took custody of the deceased dog.

The Kern County Sheriff’s Office takes all investigations seriously. Deputies are committed to public safety, animal rights, and will conduct thorough investigations to ensure accountability. Anyone with additional information regarding this case is encouraged to contact the Kern County Sheriff’s Office at (661) 861-3110 or Kern Secret Witness (661) 322-4040. To submit tips anonymously through our website at www.kernsheriff.org.

Source: Kern County Sheriff’s Office