Pet Dog Dead, Owner Critical After Being Shot During Home Invasion

A pet dog was killed and its owner was shot in the face during a home invasion in Vineland, New Jersey, on Tuesday morning.

Police said the suspect entered the home around 3.45 a.m. EDT and shot the 22-year-old unidentified resident. The intruder then shot the family’s dog.

Officers responded to the home after getting reports of an invasion/attempted homicide. They found the resident with a single gunshot wound to his face and rushed him to a nearby hospital where he was listed in critical but stable condition. Meanwhile, the dog succumbed to injuries.

Police said another female resident was at home when the incident took place. However, she was not injured. Investigators, who did not have the description of the intruder, were looking at speaking with residents in nearby areas including Sunset Avenue, North Mill Road and Pine Grove Avenue area to see if they have any information related to the invasion. They were also trying to find out if CCTV footage was available which might have captured the images of the intruder.

Meanwhile, police have asked anyone with any information to contact them at 856-691-4111, ext. 4181.

The incident comes less than a month after a pet dog was shot dead in front of its owners during a home invasion in Virginia Beach. Herbert Culbertson was in his bedroom when he heard someone kick in the front door. He then came out and saw intruders having “a gun to my brother on the couch.” When one of them barged into his room, his pet dog started barking.

"He got up and chased the guy down the hallway. At the same time, roughly behind him, and I heard a pop,” he said, adding that he soon realized the canine was shot. While the suspects fled the scene, the dog succumbed to injuries.