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Woman accused of pushing golden retriever from dock, letting it drown in lake

MERRIMACK, N.H. — A New Hampshire woman is facing a charge of cruelty to animals after allegedly pushing an 11-year-old golden retriever from a dock into a lake and letting the animal drown.

Witnesses told police they saw Nancy Bucciarelli, of Merrimack, push the dog into Naticook Lake June 8, and make no attempts to save it while it was struggling to stay above the water.

Witnesses said the dog appeared to be old and was easily winded while it was walking around prior to drowning.

They also said that when they saw the dog struggling, they tried to help. But it was too late.
The dog drowned in about 3 1/2 feet of water.

An arrest warrant was later issued for Bucciarelli, and she was taken into custody Friday.

She was released on personal recognizance and is scheduled to appear in court on June 27.