Kasson Husky Shot Three Times While In Fenced Yard

Kasson, MN (KROC-AM News) -- A Kasson man is searching for answers after his dog was shot three times while in his own fenced-in backyard.

The incident happened on Tuesday, March 24, on 2nd Street SW in Kasson.

Rival, a 5-and-a-half-year-old Husky, had been let outside in the afternoon when the shooting occurred.

“It was between 3–4 p.m.,” said Abigail Helder, who owns the home where Rival lives. “He was outside going potty and by the time his dad got to the back door, he was bleeding from his mouth.”

According to Helder, Rival was shot twice in the neck and once in the mouth. The shot to his mouth fractured his jaw.

Rival’s dad, John Sandlin, rushed him for emergency care. He was initially treated at Carriage House Animal Hospital in Kasson before being referred to the Twin Cities for surgery.

Rival the Husky recovering after being shot three times (Courtesy John Sandlin)

Helder told KROC News the quick response from the local clinic made a difference.

“Without Carriage House’s help, Rival would have gone through much more pain than any dog should have to, and we are very thankful to them,” she said.

Huskey Shot in Kasson Left With Severe Injuries, Long Recovery Ahead

The damage from the shooting was significant.

In a GoFundMe campaign, Marissa Leeman, a good friend of Sandlin, wrote:

“Our sweet dog, Rival, was brutally shot three times while simply using the bathroom in our fenced-in backyard. This was not out on a walk, not off the property; he was safe at home… And yet, someone still chose to shoot him.”

Two of the bullets grazed Rival’s neck, while the third shattered part of his lower jaw. Veterinarians had to remove part of the jaw during surgery.

The cost of the emergency procedure alone was about $13,000, according to the GoFundMe campaign.

Rival is now back home and recovering, but his life will be permanently changed.

“He will never fully recover,” Helder said. “He won’t be able to enjoy chewing on bones or be able to eat hard foods ever again.”

She added that Rival has been more anxious since returning home.

“He’s a little skittish when out in his yard now. Some leaves that blew at him yesterday caused him to freeze and Dad had to carry him back inside, which is very unlike him, Helder said. “Rival is a very bubbly Husky who loves to sniff and play, so for him to be anything but is a sad sight to see.”

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Investigation Ongoing After Husky Shot in Kasson Backyard

A police report was filed on Wednesday, March 25, after Rival returned home from surgery.

Helder said officers have canvassed the area and spoken with neighbors, but so far, there have been no major updates.

“The police haven’t had any news,” she said.

The bullets recovered during surgery have been given to police, Helder said, which could help determine what type of firearm was used.

Helder and Rival's family suspect that it was a .22 caliber.

Rival the Husky (Courtesy John Sandlin)

According to the family, Rival has never escaped the yard and only leaves the property while on walks.

Helder tells us John Sandlin rescued Rival when he was about a year and a half old, after the dog retired from being a show dog in Mexico.

Family of Shot Husky Rival Looking for Answers and Accountability

Leeman says they are still trying to process how something like this could happen.

“This has been incredibly heartbreaking,” Leeman wrote. “Rival is more than a pet; he is family. He didn’t deserve this pain.”

They are now hoping for answers and accountability as the investigation continues.

If you would like to help, donations are still being accepted via the GoFundMe campaign for Rival's recovery here.

Kasson Police Chief Josh Hanson confirmed a report was received involving a Husky shot in a Kasson backyard on March 24 between 2:40 pm and 3:00 pm. in the 500 block of 2nd Street SW. No suspects have been identified at this time. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kasson Police Department at 507-634-3881