Puppy Shot by Pellet Gun: Police

Police are searching for a suspect who allegedly shot a 17-week-old puppy with a pellet gun.

Police responded to a call from Flemish Way in Lumberton, N.J. Monday morning.

When cops arrived around 10, the owner of an Australian Labradoodle named “Rocko” met them.

The owner told police that he looked out front of his house after Rocko left his backyard. He then saw the puppy lying in the street near the back of a blue pickup truck driven by a white male.

The owner approached the truck, which quickly fled the scene, traveling north on Flemish Way, according to police.

The owner then checked on his pet, which was bleeding from the right shoulder. The puppy was taken to the Creek’s Edge Animal Hospital in Hainesport where it was confirmed that he was shot with three pellets -- one that nearly hit his spine.

The pooch was transferred to the Center for Animal Referral and Emergency Services in Langhorne, Pa. where he underwent two hours of surgery as the pellet closest to his spine was removed, according to veterinarian Dr. Brian Betz.

The pup was lucky to be alive.

"If they had shot him say in the chest or closer to his spine he could have died, outcome could have been a lot different," Betz said.

The Lumberton Police and the New Jersey SPCA are investigating the incident. Anyone with information regarding the case should call the Lumberton Township Special Investigations Unit at 609-267-1111.


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