Prosecutors: Woman fatally beat family dog with shovel and claw hammer, then bragged about it
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Authorities say a New Jersey woman used a shovel and claw hammer to fatally beat her family's dog and then bragged about it.
Mercer County prosecutors say 19-year-old Hightstown resident Michelle Wankoff faces several counts, including animal cruelty and tampering with evidence.
The charges stem from an investigation that began when Hightstown police got a tip that Wankoff had bragged about killing and burying the 9-year-old mixed breed dog.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Authorities say Wankoff initially tried to poison the dog with various medications late last month. When that failed, they say, she repeatedly hit the dog on the head with a shovel and claw hammer until it died.
A telephone number for Wankoff couldn't be found Monday. It isn't clear if she has an attorney who could comment on the charges.