On March 24th a 5 ½ year old Husky, named Rival was shot after being let out in his families fenced in yard in the 500 block of Second Street SW. He was not off property. The pet had been let out about 3pm to do his business while owner waited. When he returned to the door, the dog had been shot three times, twice in the neck and once in the mouth. He was rushed to Carriage House Animal House with his injuries, which included a fractured jaw. After stabilizing the pet, he was transported to the twin cities for surgery.
Bullets recovered during surgery have been turned over to law enforcement to determine if possible what type of firearm was used. A report has been filed with the Kasson Police Department. So far, the police have no further information. Anyone with any leads may call the Kasson PD at 507-634-3881.
Rival has been with his family for over four years. The damage from the injury shattered his lower jawbone and destroyed his lower teeth. His lower left jaw had to be removed and will require considerable surgery to help him recover. He will never recover and will not be able to eat hard foods again. A Go Fund Me site has been set up to help cover the costs of the veterinary care. The surgery so far has cost $13,000. You can donate by searching GoFundMe for Help Rival Heal After a Tragic Shooting.
There are laws on the books for shooting a companion animal. Section 609.66 (1a) (3) states that firing or discharging a firearm recklessly within a municipality in the state of Minnesota is a felony. A judge can sentence you to up to one year in jail and impose up to a $3,000 fine. Minnesota Statute 343.21 Subd. 7. Using firearms and taking in certain areas. (a) Unless otherwise provided by law, a person may not discharge a firearm within 500 feet of a building occupied by a human or livestock. Minnesota law makes it a felony to intentionally discharge a firearm when it endangers the safety of others or when someone recklessly discharges a firearm within city limits. A conviction for these offenses can result in imprisonment for up to 5 years and/or a fine of up to $10,000. subd. 9 (b) A person who intentionally violates subdivision 1 or 7 where the violation results in substantial bodily harm to a pet or companion animal may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than 364 days or to payment of a fine of not more than $3,000, or both.
