EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — East Providence police and animal control are investigating the suspicious death of a dog.
According to police, a man who lives on Lakeside Street said his husky, Niko, got loose on the morning of Jan. 24.
Later that evening, Niko was found in the area of Forbes and Lunn streets with what appeared to be a minor injury to his head.
He was taken to the veterinarian where initial reports said Niko was shot with a pellet or small caliber round.
Niko later died as a result of his injuries.
“We can’t believe that someone would do something like this to an animal, a helpless animal that can’t talk back and can’t fight back, and certainly never would have been a harm to anything,” said Niko’s owner, Taylor Faria.
“He was not an aggressive dog, so we would really like someone to come forward if they have heard something, even if it was an accident. We would really just like somebody to be honest,” Faria added.
Police are looking for surveillance footage in the area of Forbes Street that could help with the investigation.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the family with Niko’s vet bills.
Anyone with information is asked to call the police department.