Couple face charges after dog shot with crossbow in Greece

GREECE, N.Y. — Two people face reckless endangerment charges after shooting a dog with a crossbow, apparently by accident, according to Greece Police.

Greece Police responded to Adeline Park at 10:20 a.m. Saturday for the report of a dog shot with an arrow. Officers met the dog owner and found the dog that had been shot with an arrow in the torso. The dog was taken to an urgent care center and then taken to an animal hospital in Niagara Falls for surgery.

Police say the investigation led to a home on Denise Road, near Armstrong Road, where officers learned that two people were in their yard doing target practice with a crossbow. They said one of the arrows fired from the yard hit the dog as the owner walked it.

Officers charged James Smith, 56, and Linnette Torres, 45, with first-degree reckless endangerment. Torres also was charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief for injuring the dog. The ASPCA and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation are investigating, and there may be additional charges.

Police say it doesn’t appear Smith or Torres meant to hurt the dog, but say they acted in a reckless manner. They will be arraigned in Greece Town Court.