MERRIMACK, N.H. – A Merrimack woman has been charged with drowning her dog at Wasserman Park last Saturday.
According to the New Hampshire Union Leader, the Merrimack Police Department and other sources, Nancy Bucciarelli, 66, took her 11-year-old golden retriever Bailey to the park, pushing the dog off a dock.
Merrimack Animal Control officers later confirmed that Bucciarelli pushed the dog into the lake and made no effort to help it while drowning, with other witnesses confirming that the dog appeared old and easily winded prior to entering the water according to Merrimack Police Department captain Matthew Tarlteon.
Police officers arrived on scene at approximately 7:30 p.m. to assist other first responders on the scene.
According to police reports, the dog drowned in approximately 3 ½ feet of water that was 74 degrees Fahrenheit.
Buciarelli surrendered herself to police and was arrested on Friday, facing a criminal misdemeanor for animal cruelty. She was released on personal recognizance and her arraignment was set for June 27 at Merrimack Circuit Court.