oso dog
Oso is recovering at the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter after being shot Dec. 27 on the Pajaro River levee. Contributed photo

Watsonville Police are looking for the person who reportedly shot a dog on the Pajaro River levee near the Main Street Bridge Dec. 27.

Officers responded to a call of shots fired shortly before 12:30am and found a dog suffering from a gunshot injury, Watsonville Police said. A witness reported seeing two suspects jump from the bridge onto the levee, and walk down a campsite where the dog, “Oso,” and his owner were staying. Witnesses reported hearing one gunshot and saw both suspects run further down the levee. 

“At this time, it’s unknown if the dog’s owner was the intended target,” police said. “Our officers contacted the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter to assist with medical treatment for Oso, who is in stable condition but will need surgery and extra care.”

The case remains under investigation. 

Anyone with information about the incident or the dog’s owner is asked to call Detective Juan Castillo at 768.3358 or 454.7248 to reach Animal Control Officer Athena Del Rosario from the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter.

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A staff member wrote, edited or posted this article, which may include information provided by one or more third parties.

1 COMMENT

  1. attempting to kill an innocent pet is not only a felony but a crime against ethical and moral behavior. I am hopeful WPD will address pet murders more diligently than they did when my 13 year old dog Pepita was murdered.

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