Man accused of killing dog with bomb faces animal cruelty charge

STEVENSON, Wash. (KPTV) -- The Washington man accused of strapping a bomb to his dog and detonating it will now be charged with animal cruelty.

Christopher Dillingham, 45, was arrested early Sunday morning at his Stevenson home.

Skamania County deputies responded to a report of an explosion at 3:45 a.m. When deputies arrived, they said various items were strewn across the lawn, including a couch on its side. They also discovered the remains of a dog.

A probable cause document states Dillingham was placed in handcuffs and agreed to talk to officers at the scene. He said he was preparing for "the rapture," according to court documents, and said "the world is going to end" due to a nuclear strike.

The reason he was throwing his possessions onto the lawn was because he believed "the souls of demons" were in the metal items in his house.

"Chris was very calm while we talked, but was irrational with his statements," according to the affidavit of probable cause.

Deputies then asked if he blew up his dog, and he said he did. Court documents state he killed the dog because he got it from his ex-girlfriend and he believed she had "put the devil in it."

Dillingham said he used black powder contained inside fireworks to create the bomb that killed the dog. Court documents say he also fed the dog treats in order to distract it long enough for him to go behind a wall and detonate the bomb.

Investigators said Dillingham owns a fireworks business and operates a stand in Stevenson every Fourth of July.

Dillingham made his first court appearance Monday. He was charged with possession of an explosive or destructive device with intent to use for unlawful purpose and reckless endangerment. Prosecutors initially held off on filing animal cruelty charges.

As they reviewed case law and Washington statutes, it was determined the alleged incident met the necessary elements to charge Dillingham with animal cruelty.

The additional charge will be officially added at Dillingham's next court appearance, set for Aug. 15.