Man accused of blowing up his dog pleads not guilty

STEVENSON, Wash. (KPTV) -- A Washington man accused of killing his dog by strapping a bomb to it pleaded not guilty Thursday to the charges.

Christopher Dillingham was formally arraigned in court Thursday. He is charged with reckless endangerment, fireworks violations, animal cruelty and possession of an explosive or destructive device, with intent to use for unlawful purpose.

Deputies were called to his Stevenson home early on the morning of Aug. 4. 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 that Dillingham told officers 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.

Court documents state he killed his dog because he believed his ex-girlfriend had "put the devil in it."

Deputies said Dillingham owns a fireworks business and runs a Fourth of July stand in Stevenson. Investigators believe he used black powder from fireworks to make the bomb that killed the dog.

Initially he was not charged with animal cruelty, but prosecutors added that charge after reviewing case law and Washington statutes.

After Dillingham's not guilty plea Thursday, a trial date was set for Oct. 14. His bail remains $500,000.