CONWAY, AR - Conway police released the following statement Thursday afternoon, explaining why a skinned coyote was mistakenly identified as a skinned dog:
"On 2/27/12 members of the Conway Police Department’s Animal Welfare Unit were called to
521 Merriman Street in regard to what was believed to be a skinned dog. The AWU members, along with members of CPD and a local veterinarian clinic felt the animal was a domestic dog. The animal was submitted to the Arkansas State Crime Lab for analysis. The Conway Police Department received a report back from the crime lab today indicating the animal is actually a coyote. The report indicates the animal appears to have suffered blunt force trauma associated with being hit by a vehicle and skinned postmortem.
"At this time this will no longer be considered a criminal investigation for animal cruelty by the Conway Police Department. We appreciate the support provided by the Faulkner County Humane Society and the Friends of the Conway Animal Shelter along with other private individuals for the rewards offered in this case."
