A family have been left heartbroken after their pet dog was shot by a deer hunter who mistook it for a coyote.
Chris Heller, from Pennsylvania, US, had taken his 8 year old malamute mix, Hunter, out for a walk in the woods, alongside his German Shepherd, Freya, near his home on January 7.
Hunter, who weighed around 90 lbs, was shot by a deer hunter after the animal was allegedly mistaken for a coyote, according to wife, Jennifer Heller.
Chris rushed to get the wounded pup urgent treatment and was on his way to the nearest emergency vet when Hunter tragically died en-route.
Jennifer, who has set-up a fundraising page to help their legal costs against the deer hunter, wrote: "Hunter was an incredibly sweet and intelligent dog.
"Gentle with the Hellers’ young grandchildren, immediate best buddies with the other animals in the home, and a loving companion who would do anything for a good piece of cheese."
The family are furious after the Pennsylvania Game Commission confirmed the hunter won't face any charges or disciplinary action - because he mistook Hunter for a coyote.
This is despite coyotes having a height of around 1.5ft compared to Hunter, who was 3ft.
The family are demanding the deer hunter's licence is suspended and urged the commission to apologise or force him to retake a safety course.
Jennifer wrote: "One of the most important rules of hunting is to know what you’re shooting, and when this man shot despite that he snuffed out the life of a wonderful pet who had a lot more life and love to share."
She explained how her husband had been walking Hunter, who was adopted from a New Jersey shelter, with Freya on a clear path through the woods when a group of deer hunters appeared.
Hunter was tragically shot, despite both dogs wearing collars and harnesses.
In addition, Hunter was nearly three times of a coyote, according to Jennifer.
She revealed the deer hunter never apologised and has refused to come forward as he fears the social media backlash.
This has prompted the family to start legal action against the deer hunter and they have since launched a GoFundMe page to help cover their costs.
Jennifer said Hunter will be "deeply missed" following his tragic death.
She wrote: "Hunter will be so greatly missed and was loved by our entire family. RIP our beautiful friend."
