Dead Dog Found In Plastic Bag Near Lawrence School

LAWRENCE, MA — A 1-year-old Jack Russel-type dog was found dead in late March wrapped in a "pee pad" and a black plastic bag near a Lawrence school, the Animal Rescue League said Wednesday.

An autopsy found that the dog's death was caused by extensive abuse, the league said in a release.

A Lawrence police officer found the dog along a walking trail behind South Lawrence East Middle School on March 17 around 10:45 a.m. There was blood in the bag and on the dog's body and pee staining on the dog's tail.

The dog appeared to have suffered "extreme cruelty and abuse," according to the news release. The dog died of acute blood loss and skull fractures, the autopsy found. The dog also had extensive bruising, indicating it was intermittently abused in the 36 hours leading up to its death, officials said.

The league said it is unlikely that the dog had been in the area for long.

The league's Law Enforcement Department and Lawrence police are seeking information that might help find who is responsible. The league asked anyone with information to contact Lawrence Police Detective Carmen Poupora at (978) 794-5900 x625 or ARL Law Enforcement at (617) 426-9170 ext. 110 or cruelty@arlboston.org.