Nassau County woman accused of shooting dog with crossbow

WARNING: This story contains a graphic photo that some might find disturbing.

Carey Marie Wilson of Hilliard is accused of shooting a dog with a crossbow. (Copyright 2020 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.)

HILLIARD, Fla. – A Nassau County woman was arrested Wednesday and accused of shooting an arrow through a dog’s head using a crossbow, according to the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office.

Carey Marie Wilson, 37, now faces a felony charge of cruelty to animals after the dog was found with the arrow lodged in its head. Luckily, the dog survived the May 16 incident and was being treated by Nassau County Animal Control.

According to the arrest report, Wilson admitted to shooting the dog with a crossbow that was given to her by a friend. Animal Control Officers were told that during the incident the dog was in the yard peeing on her car tire, according to the report.

Nassau County Animal Control Director Tim Maguire said the arrow ended up ricocheting off the dog’s skull and only lifting the skin.

“He’s doing great. He’s got some minor health issues like kennel cough and the wound is healing from where the arrow entered and exited but other than that he’s doing wonderful,” Maguire said.

Dog recovering after he was shot in the head with an arrow. (Copyright 2020 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.)

At the time of the incident, which happened in Hilliard, the dog was not being aggressive, the report states.

Other statements made by Wilson to Animal Control officers were redacted in the arrest report.

The Sheriff’s Office said the original owner turned over the right to the dog to Nassau County Animal Control due to the veterinary care that was needed.

Nassau County Animal Control now owns the lab mix, which has been nicknamed “Unicorn.”

Animal Control said the dog still needs medication, additional x-rays and he’s heartworm positive.

Once he’s cleared by the veterinarian, Nassau Animal services will take applications to foster him.

“I think the most important thing is talking to kids about animal cruelty starting when they’re young in school to make a difference so stuff like this that adults do doesn’t happen in the future,” Maguire said.

Nassau County Animal Control said if you are having a hard time taking care of your animals during the pandemic -- call your local shelter or humane society because they can help.

"Unicorn" the dog somehow survived after he was found with an arrow through his head. (Nassau County Animal Services)