Update - the original information that the dog was placed inside a burlap bag and actually in the river have been found to not be accurate.  The dog was brought to the station by the hunter who found him.  At that time our primary concern was the health and safety of the dog and determining placement for the night.  The ongoing investigation has found that at the time the dog was found it was not in the water.  He was confined to a duck blind overhanging the river.  He was trapped and wrapped tightly in a burlap netting which had been stored in the same duck blind.  At this point we are still investigating to determine if this was an intentional act of animal cruelty, or if this was purely accidental and that the dog had entered the blind and inadvertently entangled himself in the netting to stay warm.  At the end of the day the most important facts remain the same.  This dog was saved by the property owner and near by hunter.  The dog will still be adopted by the employee of the Willow Street Animal Hospital if an owner is not located within 72 hours.  We are still actively searching for the owner.  Anyone with info is asked to contact Officer Carter at CarterD@police.co.lancaster.pa.us

12/9/15 2:55 PM - A male Pitbull was discovered by hunters next to the Conestoga River along Conestoga Blvd. in Conestoga Twp. The dog was found with burlap wrapped around its midsection and in close proximity to the water.  The dog was suffering from injuries from the tightly wrapped burlap as well as sever malnutrition and hypothermia. He was taken to the Willow Street Animal Hospital who donated their services to treat his injuries.  The dog is currently staying with Officer Carter for a short time period.  A permanent home has been located with one of the employees of the animal hospital.  If you have any information at all as to where this dog may have previously lived and who the owner may be please contact us.  We can be reached by phone at 717-872-0352 or by anonymous tips on this website.  Canine Train would really like to have a word with the person responsible for this, so if you have any info please contact us.

*Many people in the community reached out to us to donate food, beds, toys and other items.  Thank You so much.  Thanks to the hunters who found him and called us and thanks to Canine Train for allowing Officer Carter to temporarily house him.  Several people also expressed interest in adopting him. It looks like he has a very happy and safe forever home lined up, but there are many local animal shelters and rescue groups who have dogs just like him that need a home.