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Kasson Today
By the People, for the People
Kasson Police Investigating Shooting of Family Dog
Husky named Rival was shot three times in his backyard, leaving him with serious injuries.
Mar. 30, 2026 at 7:33pm
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A close-up view of the physical evidence in a troubling case of a dog shot in its own backyard, sparking an investigation and an outpouring of community support.Kasson TodayThe Kasson Police Department is investigating a report of a dog that was shot in the backyard of a home on March 24. The dog, a male husky named Rival, was shot three times, with two bullets grazing his neck and a third shattering his jawbone. The dog's owner has started a fundraiser to cover the $13,000 in emergency surgery and additional medical care needed for Rival to recover from his injuries.
Why it matters
Incidents of pets being harmed or killed are deeply upsetting to local communities, and this case has sparked outrage and a call for answers and justice from Rival's owner. Animal cruelty is a serious crime that can have lasting impacts on both pets and their families.
The details
According to police, Rival the husky was in the backyard of a home on the 500 block of Second Street Southwest in Kasson when he was shot and injured between 2:40 p.m. and 3 p.m. on March 24. Two of the bullets grazed Rival's neck, while a third shot went through his lower jaw, shattering the bone and destroying his lower teeth. Kasson police have collected evidence from the yard and are investigating the shooting, but have not yet identified a suspect or made any arrests.
- The incident occurred between 2:40 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.
- Kasson police are currently investigating the shooting.
The players
Rival
A male husky dog who was shot three times in the backyard of a home in Kasson, Minnesota, sustaining serious injuries.
Marissa Leeman
The owner of Rival, who has started an online fundraiser to cover the dog's $13,000 emergency surgery and additional medical care.
Kasson Police Department
The local law enforcement agency investigating the shooting of Rival the dog and asking for any information from the public.
What they’re saying
“Rival is more than a pet, he is family. He didn't deserve this pain, and we are doing everything we can to give him the chance to heal and live a happy life.”
— Marissa Leeman, Rival's owner
“We are hoping for answers and justice.”
— Marissa Leeman, Rival's owner
What’s next
Kasson police are continuing their investigation into the shooting of Rival the dog, and are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact the police department.
The takeaway
This disturbing case of a family pet being shot and seriously injured has shaken the Kasson community. It highlights the need for greater awareness and enforcement around animal cruelty, as well as the importance of responsible pet ownership and community vigilance to protect vulnerable animals.
