NJ Dog Shot After Escaping Backyard; Police Seek Culprit

MAPLE SHADE, NJ — A dog belonging to a veteran with PTSD was shot in the head after escaping from his backyard this week in Maple Shade, according to police. The dog later died as a result of the shooting.

Authorities are now asking for the public's help to find the culprit in the shooting, which is believed to have happened sometime between 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Tuesday evening.

Toby, a poodle described by family members as “the sweetest little dog in the world,” escaped from the backyard of the family’s home on Greenwood Avenue in Maple Shade on Tuesday evening.

He made his way down Fifth Avenue, where the family said he was shot, according to the “For Toby” GoFundMe page. The page was launched by the veteran's granddaughter.

“When he was found, he was rushed to North Star Animal Hospital where they proceeded to do tests to assess his injuries,” Amber Cook wrote. “Ultimately the brain damage was so severe he had to be put down.”

Maple Shade police said they were contacted by the family at about 2:11 p.m. Wednesday afternoon. The family said the dog had been injured sometime between 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Tuesday evening.

After a neighbor alerted the family that the dog had been howling in pain, they took him to the vet, police said. Toby was humanely euthanized on Sept. 18, police said.

Police initially canvassed the neighborhood for information, and are investigating the case alongside the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office.

Police are describing it as an incident of animal cruelty. They said Toby got an object lodged in his head, but didn’t specify what the object was.

A necropsy was being performed to determine what type of object had become lodged in the dog’s head, nj.com reports.

The family told the Courier Post the dog was always getting out, but he was harmless and well-known around the neighborhood.

They believe someone shot Toby because they were frustrated he was always getting out, according to the Burlington County Times. They are afraid whoever shot Toby will do something like this again.

Cook wrote that Toby was not just her grandfather’s best friend, but helped him with his PTSD and depression.

“Toby was the sweetest little dog in the world,” Cook wrote. “There are no words to describe how much he meant to our family. I’m starting this fund to help with some medical expenses they incurred trying to save him.”

As of Thursday afternoon, the Cook Family had raised $1,158 toward its $1,600 goal. To donate to the campaign, visit gofundme.com.

Maple Shade Police Chief Christopher Fletcher said the police department would not tolerate any cruelty to animals.

“The Maple Shade Police Department and our certified Humane Law Enforcement Officers will work closely with the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office and bring to justice anyone that does kill or injure an animal in Maple Shade,” Fletcher said.

Anyone who has any information about who may have shot Toby is asked to call the Maple Shade Police Department at 856-234-8300 and reference case 2019-16928.