Imagine traveling down the roadway and coming across an injured dog, lying in a ditch on the side of the road. It’s not clear who found the dog on the side of the road, but a Rensselaerville couple has been arrested for leaving the dying dog in a ditch on the side of the road.

An elderly couple has been arrested by Sheriff’s deputies for allegedly shooting their dog, Duke, in the head twice and then leaving him on the side of the road in the Town of Berne.

The couple, 72-year old David R. Packard and 68-year old Beth Mickle-Packard have both been arrested and charged with animal cruelty for allegedly shooting their dog in the head twice before throwing his body into a ditch.

According to law enforcement, the dog was allegedly suffering from malnutrition and gunshot wounds. Sheriff’s deputies took the dying dog to an animal hospital where he was euthanized.

The couple allegedly had another dog and fortunately, that animal was unharmed. They were forced to turn the Golden retriever puppy over to authorities.

David Packard allegedly had two illegal firearms in his possession. He was arrested and charged with Aggravated Animal Cruelty (Felony); Criminal Possession of a Firearm (Felony); and Failure to Provide Proper Sustenance/Cruelty to Animals (Misdemeanor).

Beth Mickle-Packard was arrested and charged with Failure to Provide Proper Sustenance/Cruelty to Animals (Misdemeanor).

Both suspects were arraigned and released on their own recognizance. They are scheduled to appear in the Town of Rensselaerville Court at a later date.

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I will never understand why people own animals if they don’t want to properly care for them.

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