A German shepherd previously reported as being shot to death was actually killed by another animal, authorities said after the completion of an investigation into the dog's death.
A necropsy determined that the 3-year-old dog in Methuen, Massachusetts, named Moose was killed in a mauling attack by one or more dogs. Family members initially told police they had found the animal shot.
When police responded to the scene last week, three other German shepherds owned by the family of Moose were present and alive. One of the dogs was lying on Moose upon the arrival of officers.
The family has been notified of the findings of the necropsy and the criminal investigation into the matter is considered closed.
