The Sacramento Sheriff’s Office says a woman was arrested for allegedly cutting a dog’s throat before being released on her own recognizance. Just before 9 p.m., deputies responded to an apartment in the 4000 block of Manzanita Avenue in Carmichael after a caller found a dog in a trash can with something tied around its neck.

Authorities say the caller reported that the dog had a laceration under its throat but was still alive. Deputies reportedly learned from witnesses that the dog’s owner lived in the apartment complex.

Authorities say the dog’s owner was identified as 41-year-old Danielle Killian who was detained at her apartment. Police say Killian lived alone and was the sole care provider of two dogs and one cat.

Animal control took the injured dog for treatment and took custody of the other dog. Sheriff’s Property Crimes Detectives spoke to Killian who allegedly said she felt her life would be easier if she only had to care for one dog. She allegedly admitted to cutting the dog’s throat on October 14.

Killian allegedly placed the dog in a shopping bag and disposed of it in the garbage bin on October 15 while it was still alive. Detectives say the knife likely used in the incident was recovered from Killian’s apartment.

Killian was transported to the Sacramento County Main Jail before being released on her own recognizance. Detectives say they could not locate the cat and fear other animals previously in Killian’s care may have also suffered abuse.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Sheriff’s Office at 916-874-5115 or Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers at 916-443-HELP.