A missing Rottweiler puppy that was found dead in the trunk of a locked car in Paterson over the weekend actually melted from the heat, authorities say, and officials believe the dog was intentionally put there to die.
Animal control officers were called to a Washington Avenue lot just after 10 p.m. Saturday to check on the report of a foul odor coming from a car.
Paterson Animal Control Officer John DeCando says someone locked the puppy, believed to be 7 or 8 months old, in the trunk of a car that was being repaired at Generation X Towing.
DeCando says the owner of the tow company was also the owner of the dog. He had reported his dog missing three days prior to the discovery.
Surveillance cameras from across the street are not working, authorities said.
Paterson Animal Control and the Passaic County Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals are assisting police in the investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to call (973) 881-3640.
