A New Hampshire woman was arrested after police said she pushed her dog into a lake -- and then watched it drown.

Nancy Bucciarelli, 66, was walking her dog, an 11-year-old golden retriever named Bailey, in Wasserman Park in Merrimack on June 8 when the two entered a dock near Naticook Lake, WMUR reported.

Nancy Bucciarelli, 66, was arrested for allegedly pushing her dog into a lake and letting it drown. (Merrimack Police Department)

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Bucciarelli allegedly pushed the dog — who witnesses said appeared winded during the walk — into the water and didn't attempt a rescue as the canine struggled and sank.

Passersby jumped in to try and pull the dog from the water, but ultimately it died, Merrimack Police Chief Denise Roy told WMUR.

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"It is a sad story," Roy said. "It's unconscionable to think what this defendant is charged with."

Bucciarelli was arrested Friday on a misdemeanor animal cruelty charge and is due to appear in court later this month.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.