Dead Dog Found In Upper Township Roadside Trash Can: Officials

Shore Animal Control found a dead dog in a trash can in Upper Township, the department announced Thursday. They have reason to believe the dog was alive when dumped and that the dog may have been placed in there before Thursday, when she was found, Shore Animal Control said.

The Cape May County Prosecutor's Office opened an animal-cruelty investigation, Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland announced Friday. Animal control performed an initial investigation and turned the case over to the Cape May County Prosecutor's Office, said Shore Animal Control owner Linda Gentille. State police have also investigated the matter and will fingerprint test the trash can, Gentille said.

Officials found the dog on the side of Cove Road in Beesley's Point, animal control said. The dog is a female, white and tan, roughly 35 to 40 pounds and may be a Corgi-Terrier or Cattle Dog mix, Sutherland said. She suffered a broken front leg and other injuries, according to animal control.

Sutherland urged the public to report any information related to the investigation. You can contact the Cape May County Prosecutor's Office at (609) 465-1135. You can also leave tips anonymously through the Cape May County Sheriff's Tip Line at cmcsheriff.net and click on anonymous tip, or through the Cape May County Crime-Stoppers at 609-465-2800.

The dog's disposal in that area may also constitute illegal dumping, Gentille said. If your pet dies, check with your municipality or veterinarian for what you should and legally can do with your pet's body. Pets at Peace, New Jersey also provides services for pet loss.

Photo provided by Shore Animal Control