The Hinesville Police Department is investigating the brutal death of a mixed-breed puppy found in a Dumpster early Tuesday morning.

 According to Detective Joshua Heath, the animal was found by a man going through the Dumpster near the Pour House Bar and Grill in the Liberty Square Shopping Center.

 The dog was found tied up and had a bag around its head. Its snout had been duct-taped closed, and Heath said the dog’s legs were hog-tied together with heavy black tape. The dog, a male, had a leash around its neck.

 Heath said the white and brown dog, less than a year old, was not microchipped and did not have any identification. Officials suspect it had died recently.

 Anyone who knows anything about this crime or is missing a dog should call 911 or the Hinesville police at 368-8211.