Animal abuse suspect sought after dog found shot in Phoenix

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - Phoenix police are looking for an animal abuse suspect after a dog was found with a gunshot wound earlier this month.

According to Sgt. Jamie Rothschild, the brown and white pit bull was found seriously injured from a gunshot wound on Monday, March 12 at 9:00 p.m. near Seventh Avenue and Happy Valley Road in Phoenix.

"Just thinking about what the dog went through, just looking at the photos, it's horrific," said Heather Krimm. "It's something standing out in my mind every day, working on this case."

Police say the female pit bull was not a stray. It did not have a microchip, but looked clean and fed.

"Appeared to be so well taken cared of. Just minor things that I've noticed from the photos," said Krimm.

Tow trucks are more common than people in the area where the dog was found. A nearby employee tells FOX 10 the dog was found in front of a business, with its mouth taped shut, feet taped together, and shot.

A witness called police.

There is a person of interest in this case, who is described as a woman in her 40s with blonde or red hair, and was last seen driving a silver two-door coupe. Police are begging for the public's help, as they find out who shot and dumped the dog, and why.

"It is very important to get justice for these animals," said Krimm. "They're voiceless. Little things that rely on us."

Anyone with information is asked to call Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS to leave an anonymous tip. There is a $1,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest in this case. Spanish speakers can call Testigo Silencioso by calling 480-TESTIGO to leave an anonymous tip.

Si tiene alguna información sobre este caso, llame a la línea de Testigo Silencioso (480-TESTIGO, 480-837-8446).