Beloved Dog At Bloomfield Shelter Dies, Staff Make Grisly Discovery

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — A grisly discovery was made after a beloved dog at the Bloomfield Animal Shelter died unexpectedly this week, staff say: she was shot with a crossbow arrow.

The shelter gave more details about Phoenix’s passing in a social media post on Tuesday:

“We have very sad and disturbing news to report. Phoenix passed away unexpectedly yesterday and our hearts are broken. We knew she had experienced some type of trauma in her former life prior to her intake this past September with her young body covered in scars and scabs. We had our suspicions, but could never prove that she was intentionally harmed by the hands of a human. Despite this, she was vibrant, friendly, playful, loved being with kind people, and never showed signs of pain or need for urgent medical care. We named her Phoenix for a reason - we knew she experienced some lows in her life and would rise above. Sadly, her time would be cut short, and it wouldn’t be until her death that we’d learn her story.”

Shelter staff continued:

“Yesterday began like any other day. While during a walk with one of her favorite animal control officers (ACOs), Phoenix began to display signs of distressed breathing and was unable to stand on her own. Within minutes, she was transported to an emergency hospital, but was too far gone and had passed, alongside the ACO. Further examination revealed a foreign metal object lodged inside her body - through her thorax and liver, which ultimately contributed to her respiratory issues and demise on this date. We now know that prior to intake, Phoenix was shot with a crossbow arrow. We, along with our vet partners, are still unclear how she lived this long without signs of pain or distress. Judging by her wounds, this abuse didn’t occur overnight. The information we were provided with reports she was ‘found’ on the early morning of Sept. 20, 200 at 30 Passaic Avenue in Nutley. We are actively looking into the validity of her original intake information.”

“We are asking for anyone that may have information to come forward - you can remain anonymous,” staff at the shelter wrote. “These are very visible markings and she’s a very recognizable dog. You may be the reason another dog does not suffer the same fate.”

Staff said anyone with information can contact 973-748-0194 or email Bloomfield Police Department Lieutenant N. Zepeda at nzepeda@bloomfieldnjpd.com.

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