Jamestown police are seeking the public’s help after a Pit bull was found hanging by a tree Monday evening in a wooded area off Hallock Street.

The brown and white colored dog was reportedly found decomposed hanging by a red leash and blue nylon rope. A passer-by discovered the animal in the wooded area around 7:45 p.m.

The sex of the dog could not be determined due to the condition of the body. It is believed the animal could have been in the woods for up to a week before being discovered, police said.

Capt. Robert Samuelson of the Jamestown Police Department said the priority right now was to identify the owner of the dog to try and to determine what happened. He said police are not assuming the owner was responsible for the hanging.

“This appears to be an intentional act, not an accident, which is why we’re treating this as a serious crime,” Samuelson told The Post-Journal.

“It’s truly disgusting, and we’re hoping to find whoever is responsible,” Samuelson continued. “It’s important that anyone who may know what happened to please call us.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Jamestown police at 483-7537 or 483-TIPS (8477).