Family dog shot, recovery uncertain Canaan, ME (US) Incident Date: Tuesday, Apr 23, 2002 County: Somerset Local Map: available Disposition: Open Suspect(s) Unknown - We need your help!

Case ID: 4063 Classification: Shooting Animal: dog (non pit-bull) View more cases in ME (US) Animal was offleash or loose Login to Watch this Case

Julie and James MacArthur's dog, Bear, was shot through the throat and shoulder on April 23 between 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

The shooting probably occurred near Booker's Trailer Park, where the MacArthurs live off Hill Road in Canaan.

A visiting family member to their home allowed Bear to escape. The MacArthurs were not able to catch Bear before they had to leave for a doctor's appointment. They expected to find Bear at their home when they returned a couple hours later. When they got home and he wasn't there, James went out to look for him.

When Bear did return home, they noticed immediately there was something wrong with him. "He wasn't running like he usually does. He kind of took his sweet old time."

Bear is a 5-year old chow. The MacArthurs have three children ages 3, 7 and 9. They have had Bear since he was a puppy. Bear is a playmate and companion for the three children. It was difficult for the parents to explain to the children someone had shot their dog and he might not make it.

Bear was placed in the bathtub when they found him covered in blood. They found the exit wound in his right shoulder. The entry wound was on the left side of his throat, causing Bear to have difficulty breathing.

Bear was operated on, but the prognosis remains uncertain. If there aren't further complications, the final cost may be under $1,000. This presents a burden for the family.

Julie MacArthur is certain someone shot Bear on purpose. She also believes the person lives nearby.

"I don't know who did it and I would like somebody to say 'I am sorry' if that is all they can do."

Anyone with information should call Julie MacArthur at 474-3078 or the Somerset Sheriff's Department at 474-9591.

Neighborhood Map

For more information about the Interactive Animal Cruelty Maps, see the map notes.

Back to Top

Add this case to:

Del.icio.us

|

Digg

|

Furl

|

References

The Kennebec Journal, Augusta ME - May 4, 2002

« ME State Animal Cruelty Map

Not sure what these icons mean? Click here.

Note: Classifications and other fields should not be used to determine what specific charges the suspect is facing or was convicted of - they are for research and statistical purposes only. The case report and subsequent updates outline the specific charges. Charges referenced in the original case report may be modified throughout the course of the investigation or trial, so case updates, when available, should always be considered the most accurate reflection of charges.

For more information regarding classifications and usage of this database, please visit the database notes and disclaimer.