Family outraged over family dog being put down

CHANDLER, Ariz. (KSAZ) - A family is upset with Maricopa County Animal Care and Control after they allegedly put down their dog which had escaped from their home.

Animal Control officials say someone found the dog "Roxie" and brought her into the Mesa facility. The dog was having a tough time breathing and a veterinarian found a tumor near the dog's neck.

Staff euthanized the dog for humane reasons. They added that the dog had no identification, no microchip, and there was no record of the dog being licensed.

The dog's body was returned to the family.

Now the family has hired a lawyer and created a Facebook page calling for "Justice for Roxie." MCSO deputies have also started an investigation into what happened.

Arizona law states that "The county enforcement agent may destroy impounded sick or injured dogs or cats if destruction is necessary to prevent the dog or cat from suffering or to prevent the spread of disease." MCAC says they stand by the veterinarians decision that the dog was suffering.