HENDERSON (FOX5) — Henderson police are investigating a possible animal cruelty case after a dog found in a trash bag died at a local animal hospital Tuesday night.
The Henderson Police Department said they became aware of the incident around 8 p.m. through a social media post circulating online. The dog was found around 6:30 p.m. in the area of Via Firenze and Via Da Vinci.
Residents who found the dog took it to Inspirada Animal Hospital for care, but the animal died despite treatment efforts.
Dog described as elderly Maltese or poodle mix
The dog was described as a brown Maltese or poodle mix, approximately 10 to 12 years old, says the Henderson Police Department. Animal Protection Services are assisting investigators in the case.
Veterinarian Robert Loose said his staff performed life-saving measures including three rounds of CPR, supplemental oxygen and medications.
“I’m very thankful for the majority of times where we get to do great things for a great community. But then in times like this, there’s nothing that can really describe the emotions. There’s anger. There’s sadness,” Loose said.
Neighbors report hearing distressed animal
Adrian Gascon, a nearby resident, said he heard what he believes was the suffering dog earlier that day.
“Somewhere around 4 or 4:30, I did hear some whimpering. And I did come out to check on things and my dog started barking like crazy. And I didn’t come outside but I know I definitely heard the whimpering and that’s what made me sad that I didn’t come out,” Gascon said.
Another resident, Debbie Jordan, said she was shocked the incident occurred in what she described as a dog-friendly community.
“This is total animal cruelty and I think laws should be stricter. Maybe it would deter people from doing such a thing,” Jordan said.
Henderson Police Department said they take animal cruelty very seriously and are actively investigating the case. A necropsy is underway by Animal Protection Services. Neighbors said investigators were in the area Wednesday morning gathering more information. If you know anything about this incident, contact Henderson Police Department.
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