SOUTH FORK— According to the Rio Grande County Sheriff’s Office, a hiker in the Limekiln Creek area was witness to a possible animal abuse incident last weekend that involved a dog.

Reports state that the hiker saw a suspect pull up in a blue colored vehicle, let a dog out and then shoot it in the head. The hiker called the incident in to the Rio Grande County Sheriff’s Office and helped them locate the animal in time to save its life.

In a press release provided by the sheriff’s office, Sgt. Tyler Dean said, “The reporting individual stated that he saw an 80s model Camaro or Pontiac, blue in color, pull into the Limekiln Creek area and then a gunshot. After calling in the incident, a deputy arrived on scene and was met by the reporting party who showed them where to locate the animal that was still alive. The deputy transported the animal to the Alpine Vet Clinic in Monte Vista where the animal survived.”

The dog was treated by the vet clinic and later released to a person who decided to adopt the animal and is doing fine. The dog was named Milagro and is being well cared for by the adopting party.

The reporting individual has received tips from people online and has turned those tips into the investigating officer. All tips are being investigated. One tip from a female individual stated that she saw the suspect vehicle leave the area heading eastbound on Highway 160 towards Monte Vista.

Anyone with any information about the incident can contact the Rio Grande County Sheriff’s office at 657-4000. Thanks to the efforts of the hiker and the staff at Alpine Vet Clinic Milagro will get another chance at life.