Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Rankin Inlet (Oct 31/01) - Maria Quqsuut of Rankin Inlet won't soon forget the horror she was forced to watch.

Quqsuut heard loud noises during the early morning hours of Saturday, Oct. 20. She made her way to the window to check on her nine-month-old pup, Misty.

The young dog was tied to her pen behind the Quqsuut's Area 6 home.

Quqsuut suddenly saw rocks flying up from the ground around Misty's feet.

To her horror, she could see a person off in the distance pointing something at the dog.

She realized her dog was being fired at.

"There was nothing I could do with bullets flying around my yard," says Quqsuut. "I was on the phone to the RCMP telling them what was happening when Misty started getting struck by the bullets."

Misty was shot four times. She died a slow, painful death from her wounds.

Quqsuut says she's still fighting mad over the incident.

She wants people to understand what happened to Misty isn't right.

"This is a criminal offence. People have to start realizing it's not OK to hurt or kill animals without reason. The actions of those who intentionally hurt animals will come back to hurt them in the long run."

Quqsuut says Misty was well cared for, rarely barked and never bothered anyone.

The dog was training to be part of a sled team and was possibly pregnant. "We starting training Misty right away and she was really showing promise. She learned quick and was a fast runner. She was a natural."

RCMP Const. Mario Vachon investigated the shooting and says an arrest has been made.

A 17-year-old male is scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 5 charged with killing an animal and careless use of a firearm.