Nanaimo RCMP investigating after dog shot Saturday afternoon

An RCMP patch is seen on the shoulder of an assistant commissioner, in Surrey, B.C., on Friday, April 28, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Police in Nanaimo, B.C., are seeking witnesses and video after a dog was shot over the weekend, in what is believed to be a targeted incident.

Officers were called to the intersection of Holly Avenue and Rosehill Street just before 10 a.m. on Saturday after receiving multiple reports of a dog being shot in the area, Nanaimo RCMP said in a release Monday.

Two people reportedly fled the scene in a white SUV shortly after, police said.

The shooting is believed to be related to a heated argument that occurred between two parties, known to one another, in the street a few minutes before.

The dog, a large mixed breed, survived after being treated by an emergency veterinarian and is currently recovering at home, police said.

In the statement, Const. Gary O’Brien said there is a “significant risk” anytime a firearm is discharged in a public neighbourhood, but particularly in this case as there was an elementary school nearby.

An investigation into the incident is underway, and anyone who lives within a one block radius of Holly Avenue and Rosehill Street are asked to review their home surveillance systems and dash cameras from Sept. 27, between 9:15 a.m. and 9:55 a.m.

Any video that captures a white SUV in the area, or any anything else that might seem significant to the investigation, is asked to be brought to the Nanaimo RCMP, who can be contacted at 250-754-2345.