STAFFORD – A family pet is dead after a car hit it and sped off, witnesses said.
Patch.com first reported that the dog, Tanna, was hit 9 a.m. Sept. 27 by Silo Road and Route 9. The dog’s owner, April Christine, said in a Facebook post Sept. 30 that north- and southbound cars were stopped “to ensure the safety of our dog Tanna.”
However, a vehicle, later described as a gray or silver sedan, possibly a Hyundai Elantra or Sonata, sped around traffic and hit the dog, who had slipped her collar. The driver did not stop, but continued northbound.
The car reportedly sustained front-end damage.
The dog was taken to a local veterinarian, where it was confirmed Tanna sustained a broken back, two broken legs, head and face trauma, and cuts and bruises over her body. The family was forced to euthanize the animal.
“Our tears were unstoppable [and] they gave us all the time needed to grieve,” April wrote. “While we were leaving, a woman named Fran, a total stranger, got up [and] hugged us. People in the waiting room were crying, the techs were crying…all knowing our hearts were broken.”
The family buried Tanna in their backyard with her favorite blanket, toys and treats.
While the family has asked anyone with information to contact them, the public should contact the Stafford Township Police Department at 609-597-8581.
Friends of the Southern Ocean County Animal Shelter Rescue are offering a $500 reward to anyone who has any information on the driver that struck Tanna on the morning of September 27th 2018. All motorists are reminded that they are legally obligated to stop and report to the local police department any domestic animal or livestock that they have knowingly hit, run over, or caused injury to.
