Pima Animal Care Center investigators have opened an investigation into a dog found hanging from a tree behind a north side home improvement store.

A dog is recovering at the local animal shelter after it was found hanging from a tree at a home improvement store on Tucson's north side, officials said.

Shortly before 1 p.m. Monday, Pima Animal Care Center responded to a call about a dog found hanging from a tree behind Lowe's at 4151 North Oracle Road, near West Limberlost Drive, Pima County spokeswomanΒ Marcia Zamorano wrote in a news release.

A 15-year-old girl who was taking a walk in the neighborhood heard whimpering sounds and went to investigate the source, finding a black, mixed-breed dog hanging from the tree. The girl climbed the tree and released the dog from the material that was strung around its neck, before contacting PACC for assistance, the release said.

The dog was taken back to PACC's medical team for evaluation and x-rays show the dog sustained minimal injury from the hanging. As a precaution, the dog has been placed under observation, the release said.

An investigation of the scene and review of security footage failed to turn up any clues in the incident, and PACC is asking the public for help in locating a suspect.

Anyone with information or tips is asked to contact PACC's Investigation Sergeant, Tiffany Foster, at 724-5990 or tiffany.foster@pima.gov. People with information can also call 88-CRIME, an anonymous tipster hotline.


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Contact reporter Caitlin Schmidt at cschmidt@tucson.com or 573-4191