In Berks County, Pennsylvania, a family is mourning the loss of their dog after a hunter accidentally mistook the pet for a coyote and shot it. Jennifer and Chris Heller loved the eight-year-old Alaskan Malamute mix they had adopted las August, and that their dog wore a reflective collar and harness when they walked him along a frequently used walking path.
According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Chris had been walking with his dog off leash in the area on Saturday and had come across a group of deer hunters. After finding out there had been an extension to hunting season, Chris went to re-leash his dog, Hunter, for safety reasons, but before the dog could return to his owner’s side, someone shot his dog.
The dog owner yelled for help, and the hunters quickly gathered around and loaded Hunter into a truck and sped to the nearest veterinarian. Sadly, Hunter died on the way.
Jennifer asked authorities to revoke the shooter’s hunting privileges, however that request has been denied since the dog had not been leashed and was shot by hunters who thought it was a coyote. No arrests or charges have been filed.
Hunter, the Hellers said, weighed approximately 88 pounds, more than double the size of a big Eastern coyote. Hunter’s weight and the bright harness he was wearing, should have made the shooter pause, they said. While the dog had wolflike features, wolves haven’t lived in Pennsylvania for more than a century.
Philadelphia Inquirer
The family has started a GoFundMe to raise money to hire an attorney, so they can file a lawsuit. Sadly, the family never even received an apology.
Rest in peace Hunter.
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Beyond disgusting…… Condolences to the family from the entire Peters’ Menagerie.
We hope a lawsuit will help bring Justice for Hunter. Your life mattered and we hope you get Justice for your murder. Hunter, we know you are in Heaven. Please look for MacKitty and join his wonderful snuggle buddies group. RIP amongst loving friends.
It was not accidentally shot. It was intentionally shot. The shooter supposedly mistook an 88 pound Malamute for a coyote. I wonder how many real coyotes the hunter had seen. They are half that size, generally quite lanky. They move differently, too — single track. It seems some prey identification training should be required in order to get a license.