Press Article: Tragic Mistake Leads to Fatal Shooting of Family Pet in Massachusetts
NORTHBRIDGE, Massachusetts — A tragic incident unfolded this past Tuesday when an animal control officer mistakenly shot and killed a pet dog, believing it to be a coyote. The unfortunate event has left the dog’s owner, Kirk Rumford, devastated and enraged, while local police have referred to the incident as a regrettable mix-up.
Police Chief Timothy Labrie reported that the shooting occurred after a call concerning a coyote spotted in a residential backyard. Upon searching the woods, the animal control officer came across what was thought to be the coyote and perceived it as a threat, resulting in the fatal shot. Only after the officer examined the animal closely did they realize it was a domesticated husky named Odin, who was less than a year old and wearing a flea collar.
Rumford described Odin as a playful and loving dog, emphasizing that he bore no resemblance to coyotes, advocating for non-lethal alternatives in such encounters. "My dog would have been the most gorgeous coyote ever, on steroids," Rumford lamented, hoping his story would raise awareness to prevent future incidents.
In response to the tragedy, Chief Labrie stated that while it was understandable for the officer to misidentify the dog, there would be no disciplinary actions taken. He urged dog owners to secure their pets, as leash laws are in effect, and to ensure their dogs have proper identification.
This incident highlights growing concerns over interactions between pets and wildlife in Massachusetts, especially amid reports of increased coyote sightings and related incidents across the state.
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Photo credit www.pennlive.com
