A man has been arrested in the fatal shooting of a neighbor's golden retriever.

In a statement released Thursday afternoon, Lakeville Police said officers charged Mark J. Vasseur, 61 with the malicious killing and injury of a domesticated animal.

The story of the shot 1-year-old puppy -- named Walle -- was widely shared earlier this week after owner Krissy Dashner posted on Facebook that her beloved golden retriever pup had been shot and killed after getting loose from her backyard in the small Plymouth County town on Sunday.

Dashner's message read: "I am so very heartbroken. My beautiful Walle was shot to death tonight. I can't even believe this. He got loose and someone shot him 5 times claiming he "looked agressive" What is this world coming to."

A man who identified only as Mark told reporters on Monday that he shot Walle for attacking his chicken coop.

Mark told Boston 25 News he did not regret his actions, and told CBS Boston that he grabbed his gun before going outside because he often has trouble with coyotes and other animals getting at his chickens. Vasseur reportedly said Walle bore his teeth and "just attacked," adding, "there was nothing I could do."

Vasseur will be arraigned in Wareham District Court at a later date, Lakeville Police say.