Dog deaths: Police investigating after family pet is fatally stabbed in throat

Jai-Leen James | Asbury Park Press

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Franklin police are investigating after two dogs belonging to the same family died last week, according to a report.

On Oct. 30, a Gloucester County family found Bean, their 3-year-old bichon frise, dead in the yard of their 1600 block Janvier Road home in Franklin, according to the report.

According to the report, Franklin police Lt. Matt DeCesari said that the owners believed Bean died of natural causes and therefore, did not take the deceased dog to the veterinarian.

The next day, the family's 7-year-old chocolate Labrador retriever named Tank was found in the yard the next day with a deep stab wound to its neck, according to a report.

According to a report, Tank was taken to Cross Keys Animal Hospital for treatment, but ultimately had to be euthanized due to the severity of its injuries, according to the report.

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The second dog death left the family questioning Bean's true fate, according to the report. Initially, the bichon frise appeared to have choked on something but did not display any obvious signs of trauma, according to the report. According to the report, the veterinarian told the family that any traces of poison wouldn’t appear if they exhumed Bean.

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Then, on Wednesday, Nov. 6, a neighbor reported a suspicious man, allegedly dressed in camouflage, wandering around in a back yard next to the home where the dogs' owners reside, according to the report.

According to the report, police officers searched the area with K-9 assistance, but were not able to find the man. It is unknown if that incident is related to the dog deaths, according to authorities.

The family reportedly lives on a large property with a fenced-in yard that backs up to the woods.

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Police are reportedly calling the case an active investigation.

Anyone with any information regarding the case is asked to contact Franklin police at 856-694-1414.