Rio Rancho Dog Shot Multiple Times on Local Dirt Trail

A walking outing turned violent on the afternoon of December 3 when Nicole Tatum said one of her dogs, Ringo, a two year old Doberman mix, was struck by gunfire on a dirt trail near Rio Rancho. Tatum said a red Jeep appeared, drove away, and seconds later she heard multiple gunshots. Two of her dogs were hit, and Ringo sustained life threatening injuries including rounds that passed through his body and one that damaged a major artery. Tatum credited rapid transport to a veterinarian with saving the dog s life.

Veterinary staff at the clinic and a vet tech examined Ringo s wounds and suspected the rounds were homemade bullets based on wound patterns. The severity of the injuries required emergency care and left a lasting concern about how easily a pet and potentially a person could be struck in a public outdoor space. Community members expressed alarm after the incident and called for clearer safety measures on popular walking routes.

Investigators with the Sandoval County Sheriff s Office are handling the case and asked anyone with information to contact them. The agency has not released details about a suspect or whether any vehicle descriptions beyond the red Jeep have been confirmed. Forensic challenges are likely if investigators are working with unconventional ammunition, as homemade rounds can produce irregular wound patterns and leave limited ballistic evidence.

The episode poses broader questions for county leadership and public safety planners about patrols, neighborhood reporting networks, and trail surveillance. Local officials who oversee parks and public spaces may need to consider expanded outreach about reporting suspicious activity, and law enforcement agencies may evaluate whether additional resources are required to deter violent acts in outdoor areas.

For residents the incident is a stark reminder to remain vigilant when using trails, to report suspicious vehicles or behavior promptly, and to share any video or photographic evidence with investigators. The sheriff s office continues to investigate and seeks tips from anyone who may have seen the vehicle or events near the trail on December 3.