Dog apparently shot to death in Schenectady; Police seek public's help in investigation

PHOTOGRAPHER: Peter R. Barber

The tracks under the Oak Street Bridge as seen in 2016

SCHENECTADY – City police are asking for the public’s help in finding out what happened to a pit bull found apparently shot to death last week.

The New York State Humane Association is also offering a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the dog’s death.

Police issued the call late Thursday afternoon and indicated the dog’s remains were being sent to Cornell University for a necropsy.

Police described the dog as a gray pit bull. It had an injury to its head “consistent with that of a gunshot wound,” police said in a release. The necropsy was expected to determine a definitive cause of death, police said.

The dog’s remains were found March 8 near the train tracks in the vicinity of the Oak Street Bridge, police said.

The humane association indicated railroad workers doing routine track inspection discovered the dog. There were no tags found with the remains. The dog appeared between 3 and 4 years old and had a collar with white spikes, the association said.

“The person must be caught and brought to justice,” the association said in a news release.

Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact city police detectives at 518-382-5245.

Also Thursday: