TRURO – Truro Police report that on Friday at approximately 2:36 PM, they received a 911 call from a resident who reported that his dog had been shot by a hunter while in a wooded area near the Pine Grove Cemetery off Old County Road. The cemetery borders the Cape Cod National Seashore where hunting is permitted.
Truro officers along with Truro Animal Control Officer (ACO) Rachel Peters and Provincetown ACO RuthAnne Cowing were dispatched. Upon their arrival, they located the dog owner, his two dogs, and two hunters who remained on scene.
Investigating officers located two Weimaraner dogs in the back of the owners vehicle. The dogs were brownish gray in color and weighed approximately 70 pounds each. One of the dogs had a visible gunshot wound to his right upper leg. The injured dog was immediately transported to the Eastham Veterinary Clinic by ACO Cowing for treatment, and later transported to Weymouth VCA Veterinary Hospital.
Further investigation revealed that the dog owner was dressed in a camouflage jacket and walking his two dogs off leash. The dog owner advised that both dogs were running through the woods when he heard a single gunshot and heard a yelp. Both dogs ran from the woods to him. The owner saw that one of his dogs had been shot, and he yelled for the hunter to come out of the woods. The hunter complied. Neither dog was wearing a blaze orange vest or bandana.
The hunter, a Forestdale resident, advised investigating officers that he thought the dogs were deer running through the woods. The hunter advised that he fired one shot and heard a yelp. The hunter is properly licensed and is cooperating fully with the investigation.
The investigation is ongoing by Truro Police with the assistance of the Mass Environmental Police.
The Truro Police would like to remind everyone that when walking in wooded areas, wearing blaze orange will minimize your chances of being mistaken for game animals during the hunting season. While hunters are required to wear blaze orange during certain seasons, all outdoor users who are in the woods during hunting seasons should wear blaze orange clothing as a precaution. Pets should also wear an orange vest or bandana for visibility.
Update: Truro Police report that Henry (the dog) is expected to have a full recovery and return home to his family on Sunday. They thank all who has shown concern for Henry’s well-being!
Media release furnished by Truro Police
