SALISBURY, Mass. — A little more than a week ago, Emily Meattey learned her beloved Husky, Zoe, died -- after a neighbor admitted to police he shot her. Thursday, Meattey learned the dog didn’t actually die of a gunshot wound -- Zoe was strangled.
That is what the accused told police on February 25th. Jacob Dow, 28-years-old, faces three animal cruelty charges, as well as firearms charges and an obstruction of justice/misleading police charge. He was held without bail after his arraignment in Newburyport District Court, pending a dangerousness hearing.
His spouse, Donald -- and Donald’s grandfather -- were also arraigned on lesser charges. Donald was allowed to post bail. His grandfather was released on personal recognizance. Police say all three Dows, on several occasions, provided misleading statements -- in that they claimed to have seen no dog in their yard -- nor to have heard any gunshots the morning of February 23rd.
Officers responded to the area of 87-91 Beach Road in Salisbury that morning after a call came in about loose dogs -- and another about a gunshot -- which Emily Meattey said she heard. Meattey lives near the Dows.
With her two dogs missing, Meattey feared the worst -- given, she said, the Dows threatened to shoot her pet after Zoe similarly trespassed last fall.
On November 4, 2021, the police report indicates Zoe and another family pet wandered into the Dow’s yard -- and attacked a flock of pet ducks belonging to Donald and Jacob.
Jacob Dow told police Zoe actually killed one of the ducks, named Matilda, this time around. And that’s why he shot her. But the birdshot he used didn’t kill the dog, he said, so he choked the Husky -- to put it out of its misery, he told police. The dog was then buried in the backyard, which is why police could not locate the animal when they first investigated.
Zoe’s body has since been transferred to a refrigerated area of a local veterinary hospital, awaiting necropsy.
Dow’s attorney said his client should not be held -- because he isn’t dangerous. He also suggested the line of defense he’ll use.
“This was a dog trespassing on his property,” said Rick Foiley. “If it happens again, he’s entitled to take action as necessary if you’re on your own property.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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