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A Public Works crew found the dead dog in this yellow trash can in the area of Cove and Harbor Roads in the Beesleys Point section of Upper Township. (Courtesy of Shore Animal Control Facebook page)

The Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office is conducting an investigation after a dead dog was found stuffed in a trash can left on the side of the road in Upper Township.

Employees from the Upper Township Public Works department discovered the dog’s remains Thursday morning in the area of Cove and Harbor roads in the Beesleys Point section of the township.

The dog was white with tan patches, weighed about 35 to 40 pounds and may have been a Welch Corgi-Terrier or Australian Cattle Dog mix, according to a press release issued by Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland.

Shore Animal Control, which responded and took custody of the dog’s remains, posted a photo on its Facebook page of a yellow trash can that contained the body.

An animal cruelty investigation is underway by detectives of the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office to determine if there has been a crime related to the dog’s death.

“We’re pleased that the prosecutor is taking it seriously and investigating it,” said Linda Gentille, owner of Shore Animal Control.

Citing the investigation, Gentille said she could not release details at this time about how the dog may have died.

Gentille expressed hope that the incident will enlighten pet owners about the proper way to handle the remains of a dead dog or cat. She said pet owners should contact their local municipality for information about disposing of dead animals.

Meanwhile, Sutherland is urging the public to report any information related to the dog’s death to the Prosecutor’s Office at (609) 465-1135. Tips may also be left anonymously through the Cape May County Sheriff’s Tip Line at cmcsheriff.net or with Cape May County Crime Stoppers at (609) 465-2800.