East Hampton Couple's Rescue Dog Killed In Hit-And-Run

EAST HAMPTON, NY — An East Hampton couple who lost their rescue dog in a hit-and-run is searching for answers.

According to Connor Dowling and his wife Erin Cauley, Tate, their 4-year-old rescue dog, was playing in their backyard on Pantigo Road at 5:30 p.m. Saturday.

Tate, along with his mother-in-law's dog, "somehow managed to squeeze through an opening in the fence and escaped," Dowling said. "Both dogs ran across the street and were playing in a neighbor's yard. A neighbor went out to try to get them so they wouldn't go into the road — and sadly, as Tate tried to run back to our house, he was hit by a car and killed."

Dowling said he spoke to a witness who was helping at the scene and saw what had happened. The driver reportedly stopped their car, looked at what had happened, and drove away without calling animal control, police, or trying to get any help for his dog, Dowling said.

"My family is heartbroken and wants justice," Dowling said, adding that he filed a police report.

"I had to carry Tate to our yard and bury him Saturday, which was very painful. He was like family to us," Dowling said. "We've had him since he was eight weeks old. My wife and I are devastated — his life was cut way too short."

The driver, Dowling said, is believed to have been in a silver SUV.

"We ran out after hearing from our neighbor that a dog had been hit by a car. We sprinted to the street and once in view, we could see his body laying on the side of the road. We were in shock initially and tried to help him and revive him but it was clear he was gone," Dowling said. "The driver had already left, according to the good Samaritans who pulled over and came outside their homes to try to help Tate."

He and his family, Dowling said, are searching for answers. "It is hard to believe the lack of compassion and heart some people can have," he said.

If you have information about the incident, contact East Hampton Village Police a 631-324-0777.