"A lot of people said things about me who don't even know me," said 72-year old Gabriel Pilotti.
He spoke only to FOX 29 News to set the record straight about why he shot to death two dogs that roamed onto his property.
Showing some signs of remorse, he explained, "I regret my actions that took place last week. My over reaction is in the context of what took place here May of 2012 where two dogs brutally mutilated sheep and an alpaca on my property and adjoining neighbors properties."
Pilotti fired his single-shot shotgun at Bernese Mountain dogs Argus and Fiona last week. He's accused of shooting Argus in the head. Then, according to court documents, he reloaded to shoot Fiona as she tried to run away.
The dogs got out of their nearby yard through a hole in the fence and ended up a street over on Pilotti's property, where he keeps sheep that he says he was protecting.
On Friday, the Chester County District Attorney announced charges against Pilotti, which is what the family of Argus and Fiona had hoped for.
Pilotti also had a message for them as he stood alongside his lawyer outside his home Friday night.
"I'm in prayer for Mr. and Mrs. Brock and their 5 beautiful children. I'm sorry for the loss of their two beautiful dogs. I ask for their forgiveness and ask they make available time that I can ask each one of the members of their family for forgiveness of my actions last week," he said.
Pilotti is charged with animal cruelty and reckless endangerment.
Friday, May 24 2013 10:26 PM EDT2013-05-25 02:26:18 GMT
Philadelphia Police are looking for a man that sexually assaulted a teenage girl in Germantown.Police say the incident happened just before 11P.M. on May 19th on the 6000 block of Wister Street.The suspect
Philadelphia Police are looking for a man that sexually assaulted a teenage girl in Germantown.
Friday, May 24 2013 10:01 PM EDT2013-05-25 02:01:49 GMT
Kasey's bark may be worse than her bite. But Hamilton Township Police say the crook who tried to rob Draper Ellis late Thursday afternoon at his "May's Landing Auto Parts Store" didn't stick around
A South New Jersey business owner comes face to face with a suspected robber threatening him with a knife. Thanks to his 7-year-old family pet, the crook ran off.
Friday, May 24 2013 7:08 PM EDT2013-05-24 23:08:04 GMT
Busy planning your cook-out or trip down the shore this Memorial Day Weekend? Don't forget about the men and women for whom the holiday is observed.
Busy planning your cook-out or trip down the shore this Memorial Day Weekend? Don't forget about the men and women for whom the holiday is observed. FOX 29's Bruce Gordon spent a day with folks preparing a veterans' cemetery for its day in the spotlight.
Friday, May 24 2013 5:48 PM EDT2013-05-24 21:48:26 GMT
Surveillance video you'll see only on FOX shows chaos just after a police officer opened fire on a man who witnesses say had his hands up to surrender. Police deny that claim.
Surveillance video you'll see only on FOX shows chaos just after a police officer opened fire on a man who witnesses say had his hands up to surrender. Police deny that claim.
Friday, May 24 2013 5:30 PM EDT2013-05-24 21:30:28 GMT
Ocean City is a fabulous family-friendly, shore town that is ready for a fabulous Summer season. From the relaxing beaches to the famous boardwalk, Ocean City is safe, clean and has some of the best food
Ocean City is a fabulous family-friendly, shore town that is ready for a spectacular Summer season.
Friday, May 24 2013 4:40 PM EDT2013-05-24 20:40:06 GMT
Not the prettiest Friday, but we're ready for a great weekend. Expect scattered showers and thunderstorms throughout the day. After an early high in the upper sixties, temperatures fall & winds pick up out of the chillier northwest. Right now the Memorial Day Weekend looks sunny and cool with highs in the low to mid 60s on Saturday, in the 70s Sunday & Monday. Cooler temps at the shore.