Merrimack Woman Charged With Drowning Dog At Wasserman Park

MERRIMACK, NH — A Merrimack woman is receiving threats after being charged with drowning her golden retriever at Wasserman Park. Nancy Bucciarelli, 66, turned herself in to police Friday on an animal cruelty charge. Police said she pushed her dog from a dock into Naticook Lake on June 8 and did nothing to help while the dog struggled to swim and eventually died. Witnesses to the incident tried to save the dog but it was too late.

The 11-year-old golden retriever drowned in about 4 feet of water, according to Merrimack police, who were dispatched to the park at 7:34 p.m. that day. Police say that witnesses to the incident stated the dog appeared old and winded while being out on a walk before the drowning.

On Saturday, Merrimack police said in a statement that although the charge against Bucciarelli is "disturbing," they are asking the public to use restraint when commenting on social media.

"We are imploring the public to allow the justice system to work and to refrain from comments which are cruel in nature," said Police Chief Denise Roy in a statement. "We teach our children to not bully and some of the comments contradict what we teach."

Bucciarelli was released on personal recognizance bail after her arrest. She is scheduled to appear at Merrimack Circuit Court on June 27 for arraignment.

The charge against Bucciarelli is a misdemeanor that carries the maximum possible penalty of one year in jail in addition to fines. According to the state law, the cruelty to animals charge is a misdemeanor on the first offense and a Class B felony on second and subsequent offenses. The charge is defined as negligently permitting or causing harm, inhumane treatment, cruelty or unnecessary suffering to any animal in one's custody or possession.