Police say someone put a leash on a 12-year-old border collie named Zelda. Then the leash was attached to a bag filled with the bowling ball and a rock.
A veterinarian's reports shows the cause of death was drowning and the animal also suffered neck damage from the frantic struggle to free itself.
"The dog was alive when it entered the river," animal care manager Gina Knepp told the Sacramento Bee. "It's a terrible case."
A microchip helped workers find Zelda’s owner. She told police a man named William Meek was looking after the dog.
Meek reportedly told the owner he gave Zelda to a shelter.
"Which is obviously not true," animal care manager Knepp continued. "We do not believe he came to the shelter."
Officers hoped to arrest Meek last week when he was scheduled to be in court on another matter.
He did not show up.
About the Author
