Dog set on fire: Authorities pass out flyers hoping to catch person who killed dog in Riviera Beach

RIVIERA BEACH, Fla. -- Volunteers and Palm Beach Animal Care and Control officers passed out flyers Friday in Riviera Beach trying to track down clues to find who set a dog on fire this week.

Authorities aren't sure who owns the dog that was found burned to death Monday in an alley near West 27th Street in Riviera Beach.

Investigators say the dog was a male pitbull, and appeared to be in good health prior to the crime. It had no tags or microchip inside to lead authorities to its owner.

Authorities are trying to track down the owner and the person behind the crime.

Animal control officials say they're not sure of a motive yet for the crime, but don't believe the dog's owner is behind it.

"It's hard to imagine why someone would do this to their own animals, so I kind of believe this is somebody doing this to someone else's animal," Animal Control Operations Manager Dave Walesky said. "To me it would be some sort of threatening message, some sort of retaliation, something vindictive."

Police are urging anyone with knowledge of this crime, which is considered a felony, to call Crime Stoppers. The number is 1-800-458-TIPS.