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Police, MNR investigating dog shooting near Collingwood

No charges have been announced, both police and MNR are conducting a joint investigation
riotthedogcrop
Riot was a 3.5-year-old, brindle Dutch Shepherd, and the beloved pet of Matt Bell and Chelsea Smith in Nottawa.

COLLINGWOOD — Huronia West OPP confirmed this morning their investigation into the shooting death of a family pet in Nottawa, Ont, is continuing. 

Riot, a three-and-a-half-year-old, brindle, Dutch Shepherd, was shot on a property in the hamlet of Nottawa in Clearview Township near the border of Collingwood on Nov. 25 in the afternoon. He was in the backyard with his owner Chelsea Smith when he crossed a fenceline where the neighbour had put out bait for hunting coyotes. The neighbour shot the dog, which died 13 hours later after veterinarians in Collingwood and Toronto worked to save his life. 

READ: 'We're lost:' Couple mourns after beloved dog shot by neighbour

Huronia West OPP stated in a news release they received a call around 6 p.m. on Nov. 25 about a dog being shot. Police say they attended and "spoke to numerous witnesses.

There is an ongoing joint investigation into the shooting that caused the dog's death by OPP and conservation officers from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF). 

The ministry confirmed on Wednesday they were investigating the shooting death of the dog. As of Friday, the MNRF reported by email officers are "nearing completion" in their investigation, but would not provide details. 

The shooting occurred within the Nottawa settlement area of Clearview Township, off County Road 124.

Police have asked anyone with information about the incident to call Huronia West OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or submit a tip to Crime Stoppers anonymously by phone at 1-800-222-8477 or online at ontariocrimestoppers.ca.


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Erika Engel

About the Author: Erika Engel

Erika regularly covers all things news in Collingwood as a reporter and editor. She has 15 years of experience as a local journalist
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