A dog found dead in a tree south of Lowell apparently was tortured then hanged. The body of the dog was discovered April 7 in a wooded area in the 20400 block of Austin Street by a passing motorist, according to Lake County Det. Michelle Weaver.
The black, medium-sized, mixed breed, long-haired dog had been hanged from the tree by a rope around the neck.
Police believe a bloodied pointed stick found nearby had been used to repeatedly stab the animal prior to its death, Weaver said.
Detectives located the dog�s owners who refused to discuss the case, she said.
Investigators believe the incident was random. They are nonetheless looking into the possibility it was meant to target those people in particular.
�We don�t have any indication this is part of a pattern of animal cruelty,� Weaver said. �If this is the beginning of a pattern, we are hoping somebody will come forward with information to help us stop it now.
�Hopefully, this is the only thing like this we will find. This is terrible.�
Torture, mutilation and criminal mischief charges can be brought against the perpetrators of domestic animal killings.
Animal cruelty is a misdemeanor that carries up to a $1,000 fine and up to six months probation. Call Weaver at 755-3355 or the Sheriff�s Department at (800) 750-2746. References« Back to Search Results
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