Man, dog shot during home invasion attempt

The shootings of a man and his dog during an unsuccessful home invasion remain under investigation.

MIDDLETOWN >> The shootings of a 31-year-old township man and his dog during an unsuccessful home invasion Friday night remain under investigation by the Pennsylvania State Police and the Brandywine Valley SPCA.

Two men — one about 5 feet 8 inches tall with a medium build wearing a cotton zip-up sweatshirt and another between 5 feet 9 inches and 5 feet 10 inches tall with a thin build and a long beard wearing all dark clothing – arrived at the residence in the first block of North Pennell Road, about 7:15 p.m., according to state police. State police did not indicate the race of the suspects. The pair attempted to enter the residence but was not successful.

Two gunshots were then fired from outside the residence, one striking the 31-year-old victim in the abdomen and the other striking his dog Faith, a terrier mix, in the head. The suspects fled on foot, on Pennell Road. State police have labeled the incident an attempted homicide.

The township man was transported to the hospital where he was listed in stable condition. There were no updates available regarding his condition on Tuesday.

“This is an ongoing investigation,” lead investigating Trooper Mark Gibble said Tuesday.

Meanwhile, a $1,000 reward is being offered by the BVSPCA for information leading to the arrest of the shooter, and anyone with information is asked to contact the Pennsylvania State Police at

484-840-1000.

State police on Friday notified BVSPCA’s animal protection officers for assistance in beginning a cruelty-case investigation.

“As advocates for the humane treatment of animals, it is our duty to protect the animals within our community,” BVSPCA Chief Executive Officer Adam Lamb stated in a prepared release. “We have two priorities, the first is to continue with our partners to provide the care Faith desperately needs and the second is to find the shooter and hold him responsible.”

As of Tuesday, Lamb said they had no leads in the cruelty case, but he was pleased to report that Faith is doing well. She underwent successful surgery

at the West Chester Veterinary Medical Center to remove her right eye and is now ready to be placed in a medical foster care setting, he said.

Faith is the name given by the BVSPCA to the wounded dog. Another terrier mix, named Hope, was also removed from the house.

Lamb said attempts to contact the owners to discuss reuniting them with the dogs have been unsuccessful.

The BVSPCA initiated a medical fund to aid in covering some of Faith’s medical expenses, her rehabilitation, and the care of her canine sibling during his stay at the West Chester facility. To make a donation, visit https:// fundly.com/family-petshot-during-home-invasion#.

As of Tuesday night, 76 donors raised $2,765 of the $5,000 goal.