VT: Man Mistakes Dog for Coyote, shoots Same

Vermont State Tpr. Steven Schutt tells Channel 3 the neighbor did not commit a crime. Schutt explains Maple could have easily been mistaken for a coyote because of the color of her coat.

"I know a coyote when I see it, and I can see why this dog would be confused with a coyote because the markings are very similar, very close. The collar was covered by the dog's fur. So it was not observed unless the fur was pulled back to reveal the collar," Schutt said.

Police say Vermont laws state that coyotes can be hunted year-round. Plus, Maple was on the neighbor's property when she was shot.

Because this was a case of mistaken identity and not negligence, the man does not face criminal charges.
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