Dead dogs were released by owner who couldn’t keep them

A sheriff says three dogs found dead on a rural road were released by a man who couldn’t keep them at a rental house.

Clinton County Sheriff Wayne Kangas says the man was turned away from shelters before releasing four dogs. Three of the Labrador-mix dogs were found dead last week, apparently hit by a vehicle near Sleepy Hollow State Park, 25 miles north of Lansing.

The fourth dog is recovering. The sheriff says the dogs were seen alive the day before they were found dead.

Kangas tells the Lansing State Journal that investigators are confident the owner didn’t have a direct role in the deaths.  (AP)