Police: Woman Pushed Dog into Lake, Watched It Drown

A New Hampshire woman is accused of pushing her dog into a nearby lake and watching it drown, police said.

Authorities arrested Nancy Bucciarelli, 66, on Friday on a misdemeanor animal cruelty charge after she allegedly pushed the dog into the water and did not try to rescue it while it sank to the bottom of the lake.

Bucciarelli had been walking her dog, Bailey, in Merrimack and the two stopped by a dock near Naticook Lake shortly before the incident, WMUR reported.

At the dock, Bucciarelli allegedly pushed the 11-year-old canine into the water and did not attempt to save it while it flailed about.

Merrimack Police Chief Denise Roy told WMUR that those passing by tried to rescue the poor pooch, but failed to do so in time to save its life.

Authorities say the drowning took place in 74-degree water that was 3.5 inches deep, CBS Boston reported.

KDVR reported that Bucciarelli was released on bail and is due back in court on June 27.