Dog shot, killed while woman walking the pet in St. Joseph County

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dog shot and killed while owner walked it

St. Joseph County police and the owner of a dog that was shot and killed Tuesday afternoon examine the dog, which was shot on Pine View Drive just southwest of South Bend. (Tribune Photo/JIM RIDER)

By Tiffany Griffin

Story Created: Mar 26, 2008 at 7:26 AM EDT

Story Updated: Mar 26, 2008 at 7:38 AM EDT

St. Joseph County police examined a dog that was shot and killed Tuesday afternoon on Pine View Drive just southwest of South Bend.

According to police, a woman was walking her dog when it was shot. The dog was not on a leash.

Police questioned the man who owns the property, but he told police he did not shoot the dog.

The owners of the dog said the man was responsible and that he was hunting at the time in a wooded area where the dog was.

No arrests were made.

The family who lost the dog lives in a subdivision that borders larger lots with a more rural feel along Pear Road.

Saturday, Mar 29 at 7:33 PM Mark D wrote ...

I would like to meet this blind man that shot riley, I live next to the owners of this sweet little dog, they are very good neighbors,and very responsible. I think this old man needs to be put on a leash and schoolled the old way, the IDIOT could have killed some one! I say an EYE for an EYE!!

Friday, Mar 28 at 5:30 PM Dwayne wrote ...

anon that not hunting and you know it .your anti gun anti hunting are'nt you.as i explained to the dogs owner i have no idea when this happened but if hunting season was over so call DNR if covicked he will lose him huntig rights .if you cant get him for shooting the dog let DNR get him on hunting regulations.they may add poaching and other charges as well.when he was hunting what was he shooting shotgun,rifle. and what kind of weapon killed the dog

Friday, Mar 28 at 4:25 PM Dwayne wrote ...

he should if he cant tell the diffrence between a squirl and a dog.again check with DNR and see if it was during squirl season.or he was poaching squirls

Friday, Mar 28 at 12:36 PM Anonymous wrote ...

it was me. i was walking my dog. to all of the support we have received, i can't thank you enough. to those of you who blame me,all i can say is you don't know us. i took my dog out in the field to do something she loved to do like we have done almost every day for the last 2 years and she was killed. she never ran wild in the neighborhood, and when we did walk in the neighborhood, she was always on a leash. she was the most loving gentle dog you could ask for. riley will be missed by so many.

Friday, Mar 28 at 8:45 AM Anonymous wrote ...

Ok, come on now.. This man was not a farmer protecting live stock, nor was he hunting to "make ends meet." He was "hunting" squirels. Basically he was shooting a gun for entertainment, and an INNOCENT animal was killed because of it. It could have been a child, or the woman who was walking the dog. So YES, we are asking him give up "hunting" (if that's what you want to call it), Dwayne!

Friday, Mar 28 at 7:42 AM Facts wrote ...

Shooter is 89 years old. No protection of livestock here. Just killed the dog and then denied it. Most hunters are responsible. Only takes one. He'll probably get a slap on the wrist.

Thursday, Mar 27 at 8:33 PM Dwayne wrote ...

PM i agree with you whole heartedly.but that dont mean all dogs need to be shot. if they are in the act of trying to kill stock or attack you ill be the first to drop one where it stands but thats not all ways the case some adults and kids just like killing things and dont need a reason.

Thursday, Mar 27 at 8:02 PM Dwayne wrote ...

jay how old was the shooter .frankly that sounds like someone 15 or 16 yr's old

Thursday, Mar 27 at 7:27 PM P wrote ...

any dog that is aggressive on the run should be shot. Too many people are hurt this way

Thursday, Mar 27 at 6:45 PM Dog lover wrote ...

Jay, that is awful. If you were acting in self defense then I can see why you had to do what you did. Seems that the law is twisted if you were jailed and fined in self defense, yet whoever took the life of the dog in this story is seeming to get away with it. I would understand if this dog had been on the attack, but to just use this poor animal as target practice is wrong. I am heartbroken for this family. I know that my own dog is considered a family member, and this will devastate me.

Thursday, Mar 27 at 6:08 PM Dwayne wrote ...

Jay what kind of dog was it .and i have to ask why DNR was'nt called enstead of the co. I dont want to take away from the co police but there may have been fish and game laws broken .ID contact michigan City DNR and check.if he was wrong then his actions make all hunters look bad and thats not right.

Thursday, Mar 27 at 5:50 PM Dwayne wrote ...

I can see a lot of anti gun people on here and you always blame guns and try to take them out of citizens hands bad idea.the fact is a property owner can take coyotes at anytime if he is loseing stock to them 12 months a year.so a person that moves from the city needs to realize this .I only wish i knew more about this but i do feel sorry for the dog owners and the dog .if i were the dog owner id see if the shooter had other with misuse of a gun.if so he's bad for hunters .

Thursday, Mar 27 at 5:38 PM Dwayne wrote ...

Personally i think both partys share the blame .and this has nothing to do with a leash law .people move to the country to get away from south bends city violence but forget people in the country hunt to make ends meet.you are asking them to give up hunting for you and that wont happen. i've never meet a dog i did'nt like and im sure your dog was quit a lady but you have to understand farmers lose stock to farel dogs , coyotes, and coydogs all the time and thats money out of there pockets.

Thursday, Mar 27 at 4:33 PM Hope wrote ...

Jay, you should have gotten yourself a good lawyer, because you have the right to defend yourself on your property, whether it be from a man or animal. UNLESS, of course, there is more to your story. Was the dog being messed with or provoked? What this tells me though, is that there is hope that justice will come for the poor dog and family who lost it. The gunman should be punished, becuase I know for a fact he was not attacked nor threatened. It was a careless accident that should be punished.

Thursday, Mar 27 at 2:46 PM jay wrote ...

my 4 year old grandson was ran down and scratched, his 3 pound dog was attacked and almost killed by my neighbors mixed basset hound this winter he grouled and cmae at me on my property at night and i defended myself shot at the growling animal and killed it, i went to jail and paid big fines. noyhing happened to the dog ownner, i felt bad but he attacked my 4 year old grandson and came after me. Why was i punished?

Thursday, Mar 27 at 2:17 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Thank god it was a dog and not a child. However, I know the pet owners must be heart broken as well. What do we as a community do when gun owners refuse to be responsible? This gun violence has to stop.

Thursday, Mar 27 at 1:51 PM AT wrote ...

This is just another way that a gunman gets by with murder because of a leash. This is why the ball keeps rolling down hill on that subject. No punishments result from what the law considers as smaller issues so the guns keep going off. It will take someone innocent losing their life before any notice take place, it always seems to work that way doesn't it? Mr dog owner, I am sorry for your loss and you should have received more help for this than you got.

Thursday, Mar 27 at 1:30 PM Animal rights wrote ...

There should be NO GUNS OR HUNTING in a subdivision! Accidents of all kinds can develop from that. I feel such sorrow for the pet owner, I have a dog myself and I would be crushed if it happened to her. Yes, maybe the owner should have had the dog on a leash due to law but, I am sure the dog was behaving or he would have had it on a leash. The gunman however, that is a very serious situation there if you think of the possibilities! I think the gunman deserves jail!!!!!

Thursday, Mar 27 at 12:59 PM Anonymous wrote ...

I am sorry for the loss of your beloved pet. Pets are like humans in many ways and this dog deserved the same respect as a person..not to be harmed while out on a walk, leashed or not.

Thursday, Mar 27 at 12:37 PM R wrote ...

Regardless, people should not be shooting off guns, at animals or people, it could have missed the dog and hit the women.

Thursday, Mar 27 at 9:43 AM Ann wrote ...

Phil (Whomever) ? The fact, Phil, is a family pet was killed for no just cause and nothing further can be done because of circumstances YOUR not aware of and its not because she was on his property cause she wasn't. I'm not placing blame. I know all the parties involved because it is my neighborhood. You should know as well that I know many of the county police and there are some that are personal friends of mine. So before you judge - Maybe you should know the FACTS because I do.

Thursday, Mar 27 at 8:57 AM Victor wrote ...

Was in Kalifornia two years ago. Law in California if dog is not on leash is a Class A misdeameanor/Heavy $$ fine($200). If you miss your court date, they issue a warrant for your arrest. Things here are as bad as they seem.

Thursday, Mar 27 at 8:26 AM Whitt wrote ...

Don I am truly sorry that this has happened to your beloved pet and even more so for Diane since she was with the pet when it happened. I don't live that far from you and this sickens me to think that it could have been a child instead of a dog. I am now debating whether or not I should take my 1 year old son out on walks now. HOW could an idiot be hunting so close to a subdivision full of people? I thought there was a law that says how close you can hunt close to civilization? IDIOT!

Thursday, Mar 27 at 7:51 AM Simple Facts wrote ...

Just the facts here folks! "Hunter Responibilty" Red and Grey Fox season closed Feb. 28th, 2008. Coyote season closed on March 15th, 2008. The only hunting season open at this time in Indiana is for Wild Turkey Spring (bearded or male turkey) April 23 to May 11, 2008 and Frog (bull and green only) June 15, 2007 - April 30, 2008. This information is available to all from the IN DNR at http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/huntguide1/hunting1.htm. So just what was he hunting for?

Thursday, Mar 27 at 6:39 AM Suzanne wrote ...

I feel for the owner of the dog but the laws says for the state of indiana that a dog is to be on a leash or confined to the owners property that is how my neighber and brother got away with shoting my dog when it got loose from my fence in yard and went on his land nothing was done because he was in his right that is what the police said they will do nothing to the man who shot the dog if it was not on a leash or on the owners property.

Thursday, Mar 27 at 12:49 AM Bridget wrote ...

I live in the neighborhood and never would even imagine this could happen. Don I know how much you treasured your dog and I'm sorry for your loss.

Wednesday, Mar 26 at 10:49 PM Don wrote ...

To our neighbors, family and friends and those who voiced support, thank you for your sympathy and caring. To say that anyone "deserves" this is callous and vicious. Of course we blame ourselves. Having lived in this neighborhood for 18 years, raising three kids and never having anything like this happen out here, it was a complete shock. My wife and dog were not on his property. Thanks to SJ Cty Police for their help.

Wednesday, Mar 26 at 9:42 PM Anonymous wrote ...

keep the dogs and get rid of the guns

Wednesday, Mar 26 at 9:19 PM This is Nuts! wrote ...

Maybe the old man with the happy trigger finger should be tied up on a leash, or at least thrown in a cel! Honestly, this is no ones fault but the idiot on the other end of the gun! My sympathy to the pet owner, I feel your pain. Your poor dog is at the Rainbow Bridge now :)

Wednesday, Mar 26 at 9:00 PM alena wrote ...

im so sorry for u idiots out there that have no heart for the dog and the family.sick laws if they dont punish the man with the gun...

Wednesday, Mar 26 at 8:19 PM Facts??? wrote ...

The facts are that we're talking about some redneck, white trash gun owner lives just outside of a very nice neighborhood. I doubt anything will happen.

Wednesday, Mar 26 at 8:09 PM Anonymous wrote ...

This is a very sad story. As an animal lover and owner, I would be beside myself if this was my dog. Thankfully the owner wasn't injured. Obviously somebody wasn't using good judgement today when shooting and it could have just as easily been a person that was shot. Leash or no leash, when one decides to take on the responsiblity of a firearm, he/she needs to be ABSOLUTELY SURE of the target. The person who shot this animal is guilty of reckless behavior, whether intended or accidental.

Wednesday, Mar 26 at 7:52 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Phil, in Ann K's defense, the story above that is being commented on only says that no arrests were made. It's hard not to assume that no action was taken based on how the story is worded.

Wednesday, Mar 26 at 7:16 PM Phil wrote ...

Ann Knapik How do you know that the police are doing nothing about this incident? As usual blame the police for everything that happens in this world, Huh Ann. If you had any idea whatsoever you would know that the incident has been documented and will be reviewed by the prosecutor's office. The police do not make the final decision on what is or what is not charged. Wake up madam and get off of your soap box. Stop the hysterics and wait for the facts.

Wednesday, Mar 26 at 7:13 PM What Law? wrote ...

For all of you who keep bring up the "leash laws," I would be intersted to know where you found these "laws." If you are familiar with the South Bend Municipal Codes you will see that there is not a specific City ordinance related to "leashes" except for in city parks. How heartless can you be to use made-up laws to justify what happened. And to say that this was the owners fault is just another way for someone who commited a crime to not take responsibilty for his actions. He should be punished

Wednesday, Mar 26 at 6:44 PM Tragic wrote ...

Unbelievable, stop talking if you have NO idea. This incident happened in a wooded area, not out on a neighborhood street. The dog was in no way a threat to this man, and NOTHING beyond being a threat justifies what he did. Ask any neighbor and not ONE would say that she was a problem dog. She was the most kind, loving animal I have ever encountered. She wasn't allowed to run around the neighborhood and never did. The onwer was only a few yards back and it could have been her or a child. THINK.

Wednesday, Mar 26 at 6:00 PM Anonymous wrote ...

I suppose the dog shot itself, right gun-happy hunter guy?

Wednesday, Mar 26 at 4:23 PM Ann Knapik wrote ...

Unbelievable - I stand by what I say as well that is why my name is attached with my comments unlike you. Where did he follow laws when he shot the dog? There are laws for hunting, there are laws for shooting a firearm within a distance of a subdivision and there are many more laws he disobeyed. If he followed those "LAWS" the dog woul dn't be dead either AND ALL ABOUT MORALS AND PRINCIPAL and LAWS,HE DENIED even shooting the dog. Why don't you direct all your negativity where it belongs

Wednesday, Mar 26 at 3:45 PM Lynda wrote ...

How idiotic to say that if the owner had obeyed the leash law the dog would not have been shot. Since when is it okay in our country to shoot and kill because a law was broken. This type of action is up to our police department. People who are trained to uphold the law. Not some jerk who thinks he has the right to practice vigilanty justice.

Wednesday, Mar 26 at 2:51 PM Unbelievable! wrote ...

Ann Knapik. A gun should not have been involved and I never said so. My children were never allowed to run without super vision where I live so no a leash for them is a little drastic. I'm just suggesting that the leash is there for the protection of not only the dog but reduces the chances of a personal loss such as this. I have a hard time believing that the dog would have been shot if it was on a leash.

Wednesday, Mar 26 at 2:46 PM Unbelievable! wrote ...

The dog should not have been killed. I alluded to that in my 1st post. I stand by the fact that the leash would have prevented this! Dought the man would have shot the dog if it was on a leash. Yes my dogs are always on a leash AND I clean up after them! The owner would not be grieving now if a leash had been used. Sorry if you can't face facts and the risk of not obeying the law! The dog should not have had to die here!

Wednesday, Mar 26 at 2:27 PM Ann Knapik wrote ...

Unbelievable - I'm sorry you were in an accident because of a stray dog, and I commend you for watching out for your children's safety, if you read my blog properly you would see young kids play in this area to... The dog wasn't the threat -it was a good dog and they are good people and they didn't deserve what you had to say and neither do I. I'm concerned because there are kids there to - Do children need to be on a leash so their not shot ?

Wednesday, Mar 26 at 1:27 PM Kay wrote ...

Firearms should not be discharged in an area where people can walk!!!! Bullits do not discriminate between people, kids or pets or property lines.

Wednesday, Mar 26 at 1:20 PM Lori wrote ...

If the dog was a problem in the neighborhood it was not his fault it was due to the owner. Don't blame that animal for anything, he was a victim. Any of the issues we have been discussing are due to owners not being responsible, not the animal.

Wednesday, Mar 26 at 1:09 PM TOm wrote ...

So some of you are saying that an appropriate punishment for having a dog off a leash is death by a firearm? Just so I'm clear on this.

Wednesday, Mar 26 at 1:04 PM cant believe it wrote ...

I cant believe that people really think that if this dog would have been on a leash it would have solved the whole problem. Why the dog being on a leash would it have stopped the ignorant one from shooting the dog? If the guy really thought he was shooting at something else, like he told police, what difference would it have made it being on leash? I dont understand you cruel, evil people.

Wednesday, Mar 26 at 12:56 PM Myrtle wrote ...

I'm surprised that you can lawfully shoot a weapon out there with all the homes in the area.

Wednesday, Mar 26 at 12:55 PM Jessica D. wrote ...

Unbelievable! You are a HEARTLESS PERSON. Having grown up in this neighborhood it is a VERY RESPECTABLE one in which everyone knows each other, their kids AND their pets. For you to say that someone deserves to lose an animal because of this makes you a DISGRACE to the community. So what would you say if the dog was on a leash? BEING ON A LEASH OR NOT HAS NOTHING TO DO WHAT HAPPENED HERE! You need to KEEP YOUR OUTRAGEOUS COMMENTS TO YOURSELF as you know NOTHING about the neighbor.

Wednesday, Mar 26 at 12:52 PM Anonymous wrote ...

To WSBT. It was my mother walking that dog. If unbelievable would like to get in touch with me and say these horrible things let me know and I would be happy to meet with this idiot.

Wednesday, Mar 26 at 12:50 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Are you idiots serious. The dog was in a wooded area not near anyone. This old man just shot without having a clue what he was shooting at. To the idiots that say good the dog was killed, I hope nothing like this ever happens to you.

Wednesday, Mar 26 at 12:50 PM shortstop wrote ...

did the dog attack him? could have been a nice dog? why kill dog if he didn't harm anyone. or did he shoot the dog just because he can?

Wednesday, Mar 26 at 12:39 PM Linda D wrote ...

UNBELIEVABLE??? To you people with the negative comments, I'll bet you're the people who do walk your dogs on leashes but think it's okay for them to pee and poop on our lawns. What terrible, heartless things to say whether the dog was on a leash or not. Shame on you all!!! Let's hope this never happens to you. But then again I guess if it's on a leash you'd think it was okay!!!

Wednesday, Mar 26 at 11:57 AM Unbelievable! wrote ...

Ann Knapik. Cruel as it may seem, seems you and others are more concerned about the owners feelings that the welfare of the people who live in your neighborhood. No leash, you deserve to loose your dog too. Perhaps adopt it to someone who will obey the leash laws!!! If I find a dog loose where my children play, I'm calling the police no matter how nice the owner THINKS the dog is! Again, if the dog had been on a leash no one would be suffering and we wouldn't be having this discussion!!

Wednesday, Mar 26 at 11:46 AM Unbelievable! wrote ...

I said it due to a dog not on a leash just about killing me a few years ago! Ran out and caused an accident that sent me to the hospital! If that owner had placed his dog on a leash, I would not have been in the accident. How about all the loose dogs that attack people let alone small children? Like I said, no symapthy for the owner! Dog should have been on a leash! Obeying the leash law would have solved this whole thing. Bet this dog was a problem in that neighborhood!

Wednesday, Mar 26 at 11:31 AM Lori wrote ...

So who is the person who said it is to bad for the animal and the people deserve the loss. Nobody deserves to lose a pet. I agree the dog should have been on a leash but how cruel to say the people deserved it. That is just mean. Who would have thought in a million years the poor dog could be killed by a hunter. It is a very sad situation where both the owner and the hunter share responsibility.

Wednesday, Mar 26 at 11:23 AM Ann Knapik - wrote ...

"Unbelievable"-YOU ARE WHAT IS UNBELIEVABLE AND CRUEL TO SPEAK SUCH WORDS. Leash or no leash does not give anyone the right to kill someone elses beloved pet. Being from the area and knowing everyone involved and the fact I myself walk my dog off leash in the same area - I'm shocked and appauled that the police aren't taking action against the man who shot the dog. You need to understand that young kids play in this area as well and nobody should have to fear being shot-Hunting season is closed.

Wednesday, Mar 26 at 11:02 AM me wrote ...

this is sad i feel for the pet owner but she should have had it on a leash but that does not give anybody the right to shoot the animal even if you are hunting if you cant tell a dog from any other animal than you dont need to be hunting,and i agree with laura nobody takes blame for there actions.

Wednesday, Mar 26 at 11:01 AM Derek wrote ...

I feel sorry for the dog, but who do these people think they are by allowing their dogs to be off a leash? Quit breaking the leash law!!

Wednesday, Mar 26 at 11:01 AM Disgusted wrote ...

This is terrible! This is proof once again that hunting is so barbaric and pointless! Nothing good ever comes from shooting off a gun! I am so sorry for the pet owner.

Wednesday, Mar 26 at 10:41 AM W wrote ...

Heck No! Take the Blame for lying? Ask Obama and Wright.

Wednesday, Mar 26 at 10:40 AM fence your dog wrote ...

No leash and on someone elses property..only one to blame is the owner. I feel bad for the dog having such a non caring owner.

Wednesday, Mar 26 at 10:35 AM To Unbelievable wrote ...

OMG...can you be more heartless.

Wednesday, Mar 26 at 9:26 AM TK wrote ...

I didn't know hunting season was still open.

Wednesday, Mar 26 at 9:16 AM Unbelievable! wrote ...

Dog not on a leash? I don't feel at all sorry for the owner! They deserve the loss. To bad for the animal though! Owner should have been obeying the leash law!!!

Wednesday, Mar 26 at 8:58 AM sad wrote ...

this is sad ...perhaps if the man hunting can not tell a dog from any other animal....he should give up the sport...good thing it was not her child out playing.....

Wednesday, Mar 26 at 7:54 AM Laura wrote ...

How sad is that? Of course he's going to say he's not responsible-nobody takes blame do they?

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