Illinois GOP candidate Mike Bost once shot and killed a beagle

Republican Illinois state Rep. Mike Bost, who is running for Congress against Democrat Rep. Bill Enyart, may be best known for his epic meltdown on the floor of the state House in 2012, but a published report shows he has a “lengthy history with local authorities.”

The Huffington Post has reviewed a number of police and court records, and Bost has had numerous run-ins with police, most of which have stemmed from animal issues.

The first incident uncovered by the Huffington Post came in 1986, when Bost shot and killed Rusty, a beagle that bit his 4-year-old daughter and required 19 stitches, according to a report from animal control. The report indicated the girl provoked the attack by chasing the dog.

In that incident, Bost was charged with criminal damage to property and reckless misconduct. At a jury trial, Bost was found not guilty.

Bost’s own dog has frequently roamed his neighborhood unattended, and neighbors have called police at least four different times.

There also was the time he failed to report a stolen gun.

On Monday, Bost’s campaign spokesman, Jim Forbes, released a statement in reponse to the Huffington Post’s piece.

“Shame on Bill Enyart and his Washington mud machine for bringing private family members and their horrific injuries into a political campaign. This incident happened over 30 years ago when a young father’s 4-year-old little girl was brutally mauled by a dog. It was a horrific experience for Kasey then and is still traumatizing for her and the Bost family today. For Bill Enyart and his cronies to attempt to use this in a political campaign is beyond the pale of decency. They should apologize and stop at once.”

h/t: Capitol Fax