Pennsylvania

Philadelphia Officer Arrested Over Dog Found in Trash Bag

A Philadelphia police officer is accused of putting his adopted pit bull mix in a trash bag and dumping it at a park last fall.

Pennsylvania's Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says Officer Michael Long, an 11-year veteran of the force, was arrested Thursday on animal cruelty and related misdemeanor charges.

A passerby came upon the trash bag on Nov. 23 and noticed a dog's head visible inside. Animal welfare officers took the emaciated animal to a shelter for medical care.

PSPCA says the female dog was microchipped, and a search of Long's home turned up a sheet that matched one inside the trash bag.

The 3-year-old dog, now named Cranberry, has made a full recovery and has been adopted.

The department says 33-year-old Long has been suspended for 30 days, with the intent to dismiss.

The PSPCA has set up a donation page to help dogs like Cranberry.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us