An investigation is underway after an 8-month old puppy is shot and killed in Bridgeton, Cumberland County.
The owners of Salsa, a chihuahua mix, spoke exclusively with NBC10 Jersey Shore Bureau reporter Ted Greenberg and says her family is a wreck.
“It just breaks my heart, really breaks my heart to know they could do that to a dog," said Anita Guerrero, dog's owner.
The family says they let the dog outside to relieve himself on September 23 but couldn't find him after a few minutes. Two days later, he was found dead in a neighbor's yard.
“If you had a complaint, come knock on the door, bring it up with the owner of the dog. Don’t just shoot the dog," said George Peacock, dog's owner.
The Cumberland County SPCA says Bridgeton Animal Control had received prior complaints about the dog running loose in the neighborhood.
“We can’t ignore the lack of responsibility on the part of the owners because no animals should be running loose. But it’s never right to take justice into your own hands, especially when it now involves the death of an animal,” said Bev Greco, Cumberland County SPCA.
Authorities say the person responsible could face jail time and a $3,000 fine.
