- Vermont, USA -
The Vermont Warden Service has closed its investigation into the murder of a German shepherd in Tunbridge in April 2022.
In a press release, the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department said that after discussion with the Orange County State’s Attorney’s office, 31-years-old DAMON DYER (pictured), was issued a citation for one count of cruelty to animals.
DYER, of Tunbridge, is scheduled to appear in Orange County Court on June 29, 2022, to answer the charge.
In April, Vermont authorities launched an investigation after an 11-year-old female German shepherd was found lifeless.
Valley News reports that the furbaby, named Scout, was found by her dad, Mr. Steve Mortillo, on April 23, a few hundred yards from their home on Russell Road in Tunbridge.
Mr. Steve Mortillo told Valley News that he found Scout “shot dead at the edge of a field about 400 yards from his home. He said he had let Scout out at about 5 p.m. April 20.”
Mr. Mortillo and his wife began to worry when Scout did not return.
Mr. Mortillo said: “We got concerned right away. That night we knew something was wrong. We looked extensively for her for days.”
Mr. Mortillo said Scout likely went across the road following the scent of a dead hog and dead cow carcass, which were lying in a pit near where she was shot.
According to VT DIGGER, Game Warden Sgt. Jeffrey Whipple, who conducted the investigation, said that while he was investigating the scene after Scout was found dead, DYER came forth to identify himself as the shooter.
Sgt. Whipple said DYER works as a farm manager at a farm near the Mortillos’ home.
As reported by Valley News, Sgt. Whipple said the Warden Service does not typically become involved in the investigation of pet fatalities, but he was tasked with the investigation because he was the first officer to respond after Scout was found dead, and because he is familiar with the area and its residents. Sgt Whipple lives in the neighboring town of Vershire.
Talking about the murderer, Sgt. Whipple said: “He realized he should have reported it.”
According to Sgt. Whipple, DYER had “expressed remorse” but could not explain why he shot Scout, reports VT DIGGER.
A post published yesterday on DAMON DYER’s Facebook account reads: “People who know me, know animals are my life………..” and yet, among his photos there are sickening and distressing pictures of a bleeding buck with a rifle on his body while DYER smiling and proudly holds the poor animal’s antlers! (See below).
Mr. and Mrs. Mortillo, both veterans of the Iraq War, adopted Scout from a German shepherd rescue mission in Maryland when she was only 1 year old.
They named their furbaby Scout because Mr. Mortillo was a cavalry scout during his military service.
Mr. Mortillo also told Valley News: “We were with her for 10 years. She played an important role in our lives. She helped me to readjust to civilian life.”
He said that one of Scout’s favorite things was to go fishing with her dad.
Mr. Mortillo wrapped Scout in a blanket and buried her on the family property.
Scout’s mom and dad planted a white oak tree at her gravesite.
Sgt. Whipple said: “This was an unfortunate and tragic loss of a beloved family pet. I hope in the near future the family can find some peace.”
How can you find peace after a member of your family is senselessly murdered?
Mr. Mortillo said he is grateful to the Warden Service for the way they handled the investigation.
He said: “This just shouldn’t have happened. I don’t know what else to say other than that.”
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