Man Reportedly Shoots Dog At I-93 Rest Stop

HOOKSETT, NH — The New Hampshire State Police were sent to the Hooksett I-93 rest area this afternoon for a report of a man shooting a dog, according to witnesses and scanner chatter. The incident reportedly occurred at around 1: p.m. on June 28, 2017, outside of the New Hampshire General Store on the northbound rest area.

"The incident began when a large canine managed to break free from its owners through an open window of their parked car upon seeing a much smaller dog pass by on foot with its owners," according to Staff Sgt. Charles Johnston of Troop D. "Witnesses said the man killed the attacking dog by firing a single shot at it at close range after multiple attempts to free his much smaller dog from its jaws were unsuccessful."

A woman was reportedly seen hovering over the dog on the ground crying, according to a witness. The dog was put into the back of the vehicle by its owner. The small dog was taken to a local vet with injuries.

No charges are expected to be filed in the case although the incident is still under investigation due to it being a discharged firearm in a public place case. The man with the firearm was legally able to be carrying and accessing the weapon, according to state police.

Anyone with information is asked to call Trooper Mark Barrett at 603-271-3636.

Credit: Jeffrey Hastings/Frame of Mind Photography. FrameofMindPhoto.com.