Woman Leaves Dog In Trash Bag Outside Animal Shelter On 90-Degree Day

WOODHAVEN (WWJ) -- Workers at a Downriver animal shelter made a horrific discovery on Sunday, finding a dog inside a plastic garbage bag outside of the facility.

Woodhaven police are asking for help identifying the woman who dropped off the Yorkie at the city's closed animal shelter in Sunday's sweltering heat.

Sgt. Frank Zdankiewicz said the woman was caught in the act on videotape leaving the dog in a crate inside a black plastic bag.

"We are very serious about it. Animal cruelty is a very disturbing crime," Zdankiewicz said. "Animals truly do have that unconditional love and it's unfortunate that somebody would treat them like this."

Zdankiewicz said that a shelter worker came to do a routine weekend check-in when the 2-year-old dog was discovered. The dog had an injury to its back leg, a matted coat and fleas.

Police said they the woman was driving what they believe to be a 2010-2013 Lexus RX SUV.

"The white female was wearing what appeared to be a red dress and driving what we think is a white Lexus," Zdankiewicz said. "The white female approached the building with a garbage bag in her hand, dropped the bag at the front door of the shelter and then drove away."

Anyone with information is asked to call the Woodhaven Police Department at 734-676-7337.