PHOENIX — WARNING: The story below contains descriptions of animal cruelty.
A skinned dog was found Tuesday in a dumpster behind an apartment complex near 23rd Avenue and Pinnacle Peak Road in north Phoenix, wildlife officials said.
The Arizona Humane Society said its staff were contacted yesterday by Phoenix police to assist in recovering the remains of a mutilated dog. Upon arrival, an AHS investigator found the dog, which appeared to be a greyhound, partially in a garbage bag with its back legs exposed.
AHS said the only fur left on the animal was around its feet. Investigators reported finding a burnt cigarette inside the dog's mouth.
The dog will be transported to Midwestern University where a necropsy exam will be conducted, AHS said. Evidence recovered from the dumpster was impounded by Phoenix police for further investigation.
Phoenix police said detectives are reviewing the incident.
AHS said the "disturbing" incident on Tuesday demonstrates how the agency is seeing a rising number of animal cruelty cases. The humane society has already been involved in more than 8,700 investigations so far this year. In 2021, AHS reported taking part in about 6,200 investigations.
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