IDAHO FALLS, Idaho - An eastern Idaho sheriff deputy at the center of a dog shooting controversy has resigned from the department.

The Teton County Sheriff Department says the resignation by deputy Joseph Gutierrez was effective May 2.

It comes six months after Gutierrez was accused of shooting a dog three times with a rifle after asking its owners to tie the dog to a tree on their property.

The Idaho Attorney General's office was called in to investigate the case and last week charged Gutierrez with one count of misdemeanor animal cruelty.

Chris Topmiller, a state prosecutor, says Gutierrez broke Idaho law by intentionally and maliciously inflicting pain when he shot the dog.

Gutierrez is scheduled to appear in court May 15.