Authorities Looking For Answers After Third Dog Is Shot

EAGLE MOUNTAIN, Utah – The Utah County Sheriff’s office is looking closer at a chain of dog shootings in Eagle Mountain after a third dog was shot Friday since April.

Authorities aren’t calling the crime a shooting rampage, but they are concerned.

Investigators tell KSL 5 they have already started going door to door talking with neighbors in Eagle Mountain, and they’re hoping with technology someone caught something on camera.

According to the Sheriff’s office, all three shootings happened just miles apart, two of which the dogs were killed.

Sgt. Spencer Cannon said while they are in close proximity, they have no proof they are connected. In fact, the ammunition in each case was different. He also says there are legal reasons for shooting a dog that are justified,  such as attacking livestock or a human. In these three circumstances that has not been the case, especially with Penny who was in her owners backyard at the time. Bottom line, they want this person or persons off the street before it potentially escalates.

“ When you have a situation where you have no apparent justifiable reason for a dog to be shot, you got to wonder what’s going through someone’s mind, and it’s disturbing because if they’ve done it once they might do it again,” said Utah County Spokespersons Sgt. Spencer Cannon.

Investigators also say after speaking with some neighbors, Penny has never been a barker – in fact quite the contrary.  The 4-year-old Pit Bull Boston terrier mix underwent surgery Tuesday to have the pellet removed from her shoulder.

Consequences of animal cruelty range from a Class B misdemeanor to a felony. If you have any info you are asked to call the Utah County Sheriff’s office.