Officials with Richmond Animal Care and Control posted that the small dog, which they named Sapphire, "was unable to handle attempts to stabilize and she declined to the point that euthanasia was a blessing."

"Our team is heartbroken and angry and sad and mad," shelter staffers wrote. "HOW DARE someone put this little angel in the dumpster! HOW DARE someone leave her to die! Our anger is fueling our resolve to find the person(s) responsible for this horrific act of cruelty."

Officials said a good Samaritan discovered the dog in a plastic Walmart bag inside the dumpster at the 400 block of Westover Hills Boulevard around 5:40 p.m.

"This kind citizen removed her from the bag and wrapped her in a t-shirt and called RACC," officials wrote. "Our investigation is ongoing and we are working on

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