Dog shot in the face, survived - West Middlesex, PA

Monday, Oct 7, 2013

County: Mercer

Disposition: Open
Case Images: 1 files available

Suspect(s) Unknown - We need your help!

The Mercer County Humane Society is offering a $100 reward to anyone who has information about the shooting of a dog in West Middlesex.

An agent with the Humane Society tells 21 News that a four or five-year-old Akita is in stable condition, receiving treatment from a gunshot wound.

"A bullet actually did go through the left side of her face, went through her jaw, down the neck and lodged itself in the right side of her chest," said Veterinarian Dr. Craig Kryger. "Where it came to rest, it actually collapsed the lung."

Humane agents say the shot was what they call a "kill shot," saying it is how police are trained to kill an animal.

The society recovered the dog from a ditch along Riggs Road after a neighbor reported hearing six shots being fired in the area. The neighbor says she saw a gray S-U-V with Ohio license plates driving away.

The dog had no tags, license or microchip, but appeared to be well taken care of. However, officials have no way of knowing if the dog was a stray or someone's pet.

If the dog dies, the person responsible could face five years in prison.

"We take it very seriously, we don't want to see no animals get hurt, especially something deliberately done like this," said Mercer County Humane Agent Tom Swartz. "It's not acceptable."

In addition to seeking information about the shooting, the humane society is soliciting donations for the dog's veterinary care.

"She's a very lucky dog right now, she's amazing, she's got great strength," said Kryger. "I think she's an awesome animal but it's taken a lot of work to save her and knock on wood I think we're going to have a good outcome at the end of this."

They ask that anyone with information contact the Mercer County Humane Society at 724-981-5445.

If you have information on this case, please contact:
Mercer County Humane Society
724-981-5445

References

• « PA State Animal Cruelty Map
  « More cases in Mercer County, PA

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