Dog Shot And Killed In Owner's Nassau Backyard

A Long Beach family is seeking answers after their dog was shot in the heart by a pellet or BB gun while in their backyard on June 3.

Beth Cohen said that she and her husband, Andrew, live in a two-family home on the 300 block of East Hudson Street. Their neighbor that lives upstairs will occasionally let out their dog, Buddy, an 8-year-old Dachshund, while the couple is at work. Cohen said that on Monday, their neighbor let out Buddy in the afternoon. When they returned a few minutes later to let the dog back in, they found him lying in a pool of blood.

The neighbor called Andrew Cohen immediately, Beth said, and then rushed Buddy to All Creatures Veterinary Services on West Park Avenue. But by the time they arrived, Buddy had already died.

The veterinary performed an X-ray and found what appeared to be a BB or pellet in Buddy's heart. They then called the police.

The Long Beach Police Department, along with Nassau County District Attorney Animal Crimes Unit are investigating the incident.

Beth Cohen said that Buddy was "the sweetest little dog." She and Andrew had adopted him from North Shore Animal League when he a year and a half old, two weeks before Hurricane Sandy hit. Buddy was with the family when their home was destroyed and were forced to relocate, and when they were finally able to move back in to their home.

"Nothing's going to bring back my dog, but I'd like somebody to face justice for this," Beth Cohen said. "It was a horrible, reckless thing to do. There could have been a child back there."

The Long Beach police are asking anyone with information to call detectives at 516-705-7320.