A family pet was shot with a pellet gun on a 20-acre acreage southeast of Chestermere in Rocky View County, June 19.
The incident occurred around 10 p.m., while the family was enjoying an outdoor birthday celebration.
“On Saturday night, we had my children and niece and nephew over and they were playing flashlight tag with the Border Collie,” said owner Tracy Rouleau. “We heard a shot fired. We found out she (the dog) was shot with a pellet gun…and there was blood all over her side.”
According to Rouleau, the dog was only 10 feet away from the kids, ages 11 to 21, when she was shot.
The dog was taken to the vet, where it was confirmed she was hit by a pellet, which lodged between her last rib and her abdominal cavity.
“The poor dog is sutured six to eight inches down her rib cage,” said Rouleau, adding the vet was unable to remove the pellet.
The vet bill is close to $5,000, according to Rouleau.
On June 20, the family discovered two of its horses had been hit with pellets, as well as an outbuilding.
Rouleau said that all the shots came from one direction and likely occurred at night. She said she has lived in the area for 16 years and has never had difficulties.
Rouleau admits that area residents regularly use pellet guns to shoot gophers, but fears that many are not being responsible.
“I have a huge concern, for the safety of my kids and my animals, as well as anyone else,” said Rouleau. “I don’t think it was on purpose, it think it is just more negligence.”
She would like to spread a message about safety regarding firearms.
“Wise up, think about these things before you do them. This time you hit the dog, next time it could be a kid,” she said.
More shots were heard Monday night.
Local RCMP is investigating.
