Haskell Man Arrested After Shooting Neighbor's Dog: Prosecutor

HASKELL, NJ — A Haskell man has been arrested following a Wanaque Police investigation into an act of animal cruelty, the Passaic County Prosecutor's office said.

Tristan Owens, 22, of Haskell, was arrested on July 20 and charged with recklessly causing injury, a third-degree animal cruelty charge. His neighbors say the man shot their dog in the face.

The Prosecutor's Office said Wanaque Police responded to reports of a dog injured by fireworks shortly after 10 p.m. on July 18. Soon after, the dog was transported to Westwood Regional Veterinary Hospital.

There, it was determined that the dog, Rellik, was injured by a small caliber bullet.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise funds for the dog's owners.

The fundraiser was set up by Jess Troeller, who said through the page that she is friends with the dog's owners, Brian and Carol Coombs.

"The reason for me starting this gofundme is because I have known Brian & Carol since I was 16 years old. They're the most loving, caring, & flat-out generous people I have ever met," she wrote. "They have helped me out in the past, and I'd like to return the favor."

The fundraiser is looking for $10,000. According to the statement, the family has already accrued $7,000 in medical bills.

Owens is scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 7.

The Prosecutor's Office is asking that anyone with additional information contact their office at 1-877-370-PCPO or tips@passaiccountynj.org, or the Wanaque Police Department at 973-835-5600.