READINGTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (Hunterdon County) – An Alaskan Shepherd was shot to death by a hunter who allegedly mistaken the pet as a coyote.
On Wednesday at 7:17 p.m., township police were called to the area of Old Readington Rd and Freeman Lane for a report of a dog being shot, police said.
The incident was reported by the dog owner as well as the shooter, police said.
Ptl. Bodine and Ptl. Woolverton responded and determined that Romeo Antonucci was hunting and had mistakenly shot and killed a dog with a crossbow, police said.
Antonucci reported that he believed the dog was a coyote chasing a deer, police said.
Officers determined that Antonucci was licensed to hunt and was the proper distance from any dwellings, police said.
The dog belonged to a resident of Old Readington Road, police said.
New Jersey Fish and Wildlife was notified and they responded to the scene, police said.
The incident is still under investigation and Fish and Wildlife officers will determine if the law was violated and if charges will be filed in connection with the incident, police said.
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By: Jay Edwards Follow on Twitter | Like on Facebook
