New Hampshire

NH Man Devastated After Dog Fatally Shot on Town Trails

Police in New Hampshire are investigating the death of a dog allegedly shot by a man who told police he felt his own dogs were threatened.

Police arrested Robert Vose, 62, of Rye, on a reckless conduct charge Saturday. He was released on personal recognizance bail and is scheduled for arraignment on Dec. 29. Vose has an unpublished number and it wasn't immediately known if he had a lawyer.

Witnesses told police an Alaskan malamute, Jah, being walked near the town forest trails attacked another dog, a Pomeranian.

Matthew Birse said the malamute was being walked by his wife, and that it picked up one of the Pomeranians. He said she was lying on top of the malamute to restrain it when the shots were fired at the dog's head.

"The last image I have of my dog seared into my memory for the rest of my life, is him laying in a pool of blood, with bullet shells around him," he said.

Police say Jose, the other dog's owner, pulled out a pistol and unloaded two shots into Jah.

The details of what actually happened are still under investigation. Vose hired a lawyer and has yet to share his side of the story with police. No one came to the door when NBC Boston went to his house. 

The Rye town forest is full of walking trails and there’s an ordinance that clearly says dogs need to be leashed or controlled by their owners. 

The chief says following this rule could have prevented this from happening. 

Birse is still angry and grieving and now is focused on seeing what happens to the man who killed his dog. 

“I hope you feel guilty for your actions,” he said. 

Vose is out on bail until his arraignment at the end of the month and could possibly face more charges. His concealed carry permit has also been suspended.

A necropsy is scheduled to be performed on Jah.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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