Dog recovering from gunshot; help requested
The suspect who shot a St. Bernard in the head and neck on Sept. 30 remains on the loose, but police continue to investigate the incident in an effort to bring the shooter to justice.
Chief Alan Heller of the Harrisville Police Department said on Monday that officers have a few leads and will conduct interviews this week regarding the upsetting case in which Wilson, a 4-year-old St. Bernard, was found under a porch with wounds from a shotgun blast.
Officer Jeff Hollidge said Wilson roams free on his owners' farm in rural Marion Township.
“As of now, he's up and moving around,” Hollidge said. “He seems to be in the healing process.”BBs from the shotgun remain in Wilson's neck at this time, he said.The farm owners were not home at the time of the incident, but when the daughter arrived at home, she heard whimpering under the front porch.“Other family members arrived, pulled the dog out and noticed a large amount of blood from the head and neck area,” Hollidge said.They immediately rushed Wilson to a veterinary hospital in Franklin.Hollidge said while the shooting could be a self-defense situation, that scenario is unlikely.“From all the information we have gathered, the dog is very friendly,” Hollidge said.He said those who walk or jog past the farm enjoy seeing the big dog and many bring treats for him.“We are going to continue to talk to the neighbors and people in the public and surrounding area to try and get any information that might help us,” Hollidge said.He is not aware of any cameras on the farm or nearby that may have captured the sickening action.“We scoured the area,” Hollidge said. He is asking that anyone with any information, regardless of how seemingly insignificant, call him at 724-735-2030 or email Patrolman5752@zoominternet.net.
