The New Hampshire Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is setting up a reward fund to help Raymond police find the person who shot a Raymond family's Labrador retriever.

"This is a terrible tragedy," Lisa Dennison, executive director of the New Hampshire SPCA, said. "We hope that by offering a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of this criminal, we can not only honor Sable's life, but also let others who might perpetrate a crime like this know that they won't get away with it. Our hearts go out to Sable's family and hope that in some small way, we are able to help in their healing."

Police do not yet know who fired a pellet gun at the beloved family dog and left the animal for dead on the road near her Sesame Street home.

Her wounds were so severe that the black Labrador retriever had to be put down.

Raymond police say the shooter could face felony charges.

As of Thursday night, Raymond Police Cpl. Tommy Southwick said no arrests had been made in the case. Police are still following up on leads, he said.

The dog's owner, Kevin McGee, has declined requests for interviews as he mourns the loss of his pet.

Southwick said police hope the reward will motivate someone with information to come forward.

"Hopefully it will do a good service and bring some new leads for us to investigate," Southwick said.

Community members wishing to help the New Hampshire SPCA establish a fund for this purpose can make a tax deductible contribution to Sable's Fund, c/o New Hampshire SPCA, PO Box 196, Stratham, NH 03885 or go to www.nhspca.org.

Anyone with information about the shooting of Sable has been asked to contact the Raymond Police Department at 895-4747.


gmacalaster@newstote.com