A chocolate Labrador named Noble went missing from his family for approximately 20 minutes on Oct. 14. In that time, the dog suffered nine wounds that appeared to be inflicted by a high-powered pellet gun, and police are searching for the culprit.

The dog’s owner, Dexter Lane resident Mike Stack, said he let the family pet outside early Wednesday as usual while his family, wife Karen and three young sons, prepared for their day.

Instead of returning Noble ran away around 6:15 a.m. Soon after, Stack was told that his dog was seen in the cemetery adjacent to Dexter Lane.

Stack drove out and called for Noble who came running looking no worse for the wear.

“He was his usual happy-go-lucky self,” Stack said.

Once inside Stack noticed the 4-year-old Labrador was injured.

“I petted him and there was blood all down his side,” Stack said. “There was blood on my hand.”

Stack called the police department, which is just across the street from where Noble was found. He then took Noble to the Mattapoisett Animal Hospital for treatment.

Veterinary technicians examined the dog and told Stack it appeared that either a BB or pellet gun was used.

“Whoever did this really riddled him,” Stack said.

With finances tight, Stack said the family couldn't afford to remove the pellets and are keeping a close watch on Noble's health. He said the vets mentioned that complications could arrive should one of the pellets reach Noble's intestines.

The number of wounds and close grouping led Stack to believe that someone had cornered his dog.

Also, two of the wounds were directly behind Noble’s left ear.

“To me, whoever did this was trying to do more than just hurt him,” Stack said.

As of Tuesday, Noble is on the mend and being treated with antibiotics.

Police Chief Paul Magee said the department is conducting an “active and ongoing investigation.”

Several individuals have been interviewed by police following the incident.

Magee said it's not yet known what type of weapon was used against Noble. He said the crime was uncharacteristic for the town.

Stack said the incident happening in a tight-knit community was disconcerting.

“Rochester is such a small beautiful community, to think that one bad apple can spoil the taste of this beautiful town is disgusting,” he said.

As for Noble, he’s taken the situation in stride.

“He’s the same happy dog he always was. His persona hasn’t changed at all,” Stack said.

Anyone with information regarding the incident should call the police department at 508-763-5112.