Pit Bull Strangled To Death Found Inside Dumpster, Investigation Underway

The body of a pit bull was found in a dumpster behind an elementary school in Richmond, Virginia. Someone discarded the 3-year-old, black and white, spayed female pit bull.

Richmond Animal Care and Control (RACC) said the dog appeared to have been strangled with a hunter green slip lead leash that was tightly wound around its neck. They believe the dog was dumped about an hour before it was discovered.

"We found the dog very soon after the dog was put in there cause her body was still very intact, there was no rigor mortis," RACC Director Christie Chipps Peters said. "The park was full of people. There were kids and families everywhere."

Authorities said there were many families around the park and school playground, adding that the dog was microchipped and its previous owners are helping investigators track down the current owner.

"The owner of the dog had rehomed her. She’s been very helpful giving us some information," Peters explained.

RACC announced the animal cruelty case on Facebook on Wednesday, asking anyone with information to come forward.

“No piece of information or recollection is insignificant. Please help us find the person/s responsible for this terrible crime,” RACC wrote, adding that anyone with information must call Metro Richmond Crime Stoppers at 804-780-1000.

Richmond Public Schools spokesperson said in a statement: "RPS is saddened by acts of violence and disregard for animal life. We fully support Richmond Animal Care and Control in their ongoing investigation."