University of Idaho killer spared the life of a dog

The threat, which stabbed four University of Idaho students last week, spared the life of a dog who was in the home at the time of the horrific attack, authorities said.

“On the night of the incident, officers found a dog at the residence,” the Moscow Police Department said on Monday evening.

“The dog was unharmed and was turned over to veterinary services,” the department said.

The traumatized animal was later turned over to a “responsible party,” authorities said.

One of the victims, Kaylee Goncalves, had a dog that she shared with her ex-boyfriend, her sister told the New York Times. However, it is unclear if the pet removed from the home belonged to her or one of the other victims.

The revelation about the animal comes after police quashed rumors that the October 12 murder of an Australian shepherd dog resulted in the deaths of Goncalves, 21, Ethan Chapin, 20, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Madison Mogen, 21 ) has been linked.

kayleegoncalves/Instagram

Facebook / Pam Colbert

The pet’s owner, Pamela Colbert, told Fox News Digital that the 12-year-old pooch, named Buddy, was discovered skinned but police have determined no animal was responsible for the troubling attack.

“It was a human that did that,” she said.

Here’s the latest coverage of the brutal murders of four college friends:

Police also clarified Monday that other dead animals reportedly found on the students’ compound off campus were also unrelated to the killings.

“The detectives are also aware of an incident by the Moscow police involving the report of deceased animals left on a resident’s property,” the department said. “This has been determined as wildlife activity and is not related to the incident.”

The four students were repeatedly stabbed while they slept, although some showed defensive injuries, police said.

During a briefing on Sunday, police said they still believe the attack was targeted but have yet to determine who the killer or killers are. The murder weapon was not found.