HAGERSTOWN, MD - The Washington County man accused of killing two family dogs was in court Monday, arguing charges of animal cruelty.

Jeffrey Hurd admitted he shot two of his neighbors' dogs while they were on his property.  He said neither of them were on leashes and they were chasing wild animals.

Prosecutors say the killings were cruel and unnecessary, and Hurd could have called the pet owners or the police.

The defense argued that under Maryland law, Hurd was justified in shooting the dogs because they were chasing wild animals.