Amsterdam family seeks justice after dog hit-and-run

AMSTERDAM, N.Y. (NEWS10) -The DeZolt family would walk their Bull Terrier, Nora, every day where they live on McDonald Drive. Their daily routine was shattered late Tuesday afternoon. Hope DeZolt and Nora were crossing the street when a motorcycle was driving by.

"The motorcycle actually just runs right into our dog, Nora, throwing her across the road. Unfortunately, killing her; breaking her neck," described Charlie DeZolt, Hope's husband.

Charlie and their daughter, Bethany, said Hope screamed for the driver to stop as he slowed down by her home and then kept on driving.

Nora had been a part of the DeZolt family for almost a year. "We're just absolutely devastated that we lost a family member who is one of us," said Bethany DeZolt. "We are just extremely heartbroken. We're very lucky my mother did not get hit but it also could have been her."

The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office is investigating the hit-and-run and asking for help. A video on Instagram shows the motorcyclist driving by on what looks to be a cruiser style with saddlebags. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sheriff's Office at 518-853-5500.

"When there's an accident involving a pet or a dog like that, if they say on scene and report it properly and it's investigated, depending on the circumstances, they are rarely charged," explained Sheriff Jeff Smith.

Montgomery County Executive Elect, Pete Vroman, sent NEWS10 the following statement:

“I know that each event has to be investigated for all contributing factors, but I strongly feel that our pets or our service animals should always be protected from reckless driving. Fines for this behavior should be stiff." Both Vroman and Smith are for something like the PAWS Act in Montgomery County, which would increase penalties for hitting and killing pets.