DOVER - A family’s female pitbull has died after being shot Thursday during a burglary at a local home.

Police said the owners of the residence at 418 Dover Point Road came home from work and discovered the burglary and the injured dog.

“The dog was alive when they found it but subsequently died at the vet’s,” police Lt. Brant Dolleman said.

According to police, an undisclosed amount of cash and several firearms also were stolen in the burglary, which is believed to have occurred on Thursday between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Dolleman said it doesn’t appear that the dog was a target of the burglary. When asked if police believe the dog was shot while trying to protect the home, Dolleman said police aren’t sure of the dog’s interaction with the burglar.

Police are looking into whether the burglar knew the homeowners.

The Dover Police Department’s Crime Scene Unit processed the scene for evidence and the case is being investigated by the department’s Special Investigations Bureau.

Police are urging anyone with information on the burglary to contact the Dover Police Department at 742-4646. Information can also be left anonymous on the Dover Crimeline at 749-6000 or at www.dovernhcrimeline.org.