State Police Investigating Dog Shooting In Hudson Valley

ATHENS, NY — Police are investigating the shooting of a dog in Greene County.

The New York State Police said a Great Pyrenees German Shepherd mix named Kolija was shot Jan. 1 in a wooded area near Potic Mountain Road in Athens, Greene County.

Kurt Andernach reported to the state police in Catskill that his 2-year-old 80-pound dog had been shot.

The man was on his property when he noticed Kolija walking toward him, bleeding from a severe injury to his right rear leg.

Andernach rushed the dog to Kingston Animal Hospital where the dog was treated for a gunshot wound, broken pelvis and broken femur.

State police, along with state Department of Environmental Conservation Officers, searched the area. They were able to find a blood trail that led them to an area with power lines.

Troopers and officers determined that the dog traveled about 600 yards back home after being shot.

Kolija underwent surgery at a veterinary clinic in Stamford, Connecticut. He is expected to survive.

This is an ongoing investigation. State police Catskill Bureau of Criminal Investigation is asking anyone with information to call 518-622-8600 and reference RMS# 2400001365.