YOUR AD HERE »

Investigation ongoing in Pinebrook dog’s death

Aaron Osowski, The Park Record
Burley, the Weaver family s black Labrador, was shot several times with a pellet gun and killed on Monday, March 17, in the family s fenced-in backyard in lower Pinebrook. (Photo courtesy of Sherry Weaver)
20140404__2-pinebrookdogp1

The shooting of a Pinebrook family’s dog in their own backyard last month appalled many in the community and stunned Summit County Animal Control, which is still conducting an investigation of the incident.

On Monday, March 17, Tom and Sherry Weaver say their 13-year-old daughter let the family’s black Labrador, Burley, out into their fenced-in backyard at about 4:15 p.m. The family went out to run errands and returned at about 5:30 p.m. to find Burley lying dead on the grass with blood underneath him.

After taking Burley into a veterinarian’s office, several pellet rounds were found embedded in his body. The family then called the Summit County Sheriff’s Office at about 7:30 p.m., and a deputy obtained statements from the family and spoke with neighbors.

Summit County Sheriff’s Capt. Justin Martinez earlier emphasized that Burley was killed an air-powered pellet gun, not a firearm.

Animal Control Director Brian Bellamy, whose agency is leading the investigation, said that officials have continued to speak with those living near the Weavers about potential information or leads. He added they have one lead so far, but are not sure whether it will pan out.

There was one tip that Animal Control did not take seriously, Bellamy said, and that came from a woman from Wisconsin who alleged the dog was shot by a drone, or unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

Once a suspect is found, Animal Control will file formal charges through the Summit County Attorney’s Office. The Utah Humane Society is offering $3,000 to any individual who provides information to authorities that leads to an arrest and a conviction.

Tom Weaver previously said he encourages anyone who knows about anything suspicious that occurred in the lower Pinebrook area on Monday, March 17, between 4:15 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to inform the proper authorities.

Those with any information on this incident should contact Brian Bellamy at 435-336-3247.

Summit County

Support Local Journalism

Support Local Journalism

Readers around Park City and Summit County make the Park Record's work possible. Your financial contribution supports our efforts to deliver quality, locally relevant journalism.

Now more than ever, your support is critical to help us keep our community informed about the evolving coronavirus pandemic and the impact it is having locally. Every contribution, however large or small, will make a difference.

Each donation will be used exclusively for the development and creation of increased news coverage.