Police are trying to find out who taped a bulldog inside a trash bag and abandoned him in Des Moines
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Authorities are actively searching for the person responsible for abandoning a bulldog inside a trash bag in Des Moines.
The emaciated dog was discovered on Tuesday afternoon, near a railroad viaduct, with its head poking out of a black plastic garbage bag. The dog was taped inside the bag, making it impossible for the animal to move. Fortunately, a passerby noticed the bag appearing to shift and immediately stopped to investigate.
Sgt. Paul Parizek, a police spokesperson, explained in a statement that the man who found the dog had his attention drawn by the unusual sight of the moving bag. Upon closer inspection, the man was horrified to discover the dog trapped inside, struggling to breathe and unable to walk due to the tight tape binding the bag.
By Saturday, Parizek provided an update that the dog is slowly recovering, but was in a severely malnourished state when found. The dog weighed only around 23 pounds (10 kilograms), a stark contrast to the healthy weight expected for a bulldog of its size. Veterinary staff are providing around-the-clock care to help the dog regain strength and recover from the trauma.
Investigators are hopeful that someone may recognize the dog and assist in identifying the person responsible for his abandonment. Authorities also noted that the dog’s cropped ears indicate that it may have been treated by a veterinarian at some point in its life, possibly suggesting that the dog had an owner before being discarded.
The case has sparked outrage and concern in the local community, and police are urging anyone with information to come forward to help bring justice to the animal and hold the responsible individual accountable.