Butler Township Police responded to a report of suspicious activity Monday evening that ultimately led to the recovery of a deceased dog following a multi-agency response in the Englewood section of Frackville.
According to Butler Township Police Department, officers were dispatched at approximately 6:50 p.m. on January 5, 2026, after a property owner reported unusual activity captured on trail cameras in a wooded area. The footage showed an unidentified individual walking past the camera while dragging what appeared to be a bed sheet containing an unknown object. About 45 minutes later, the same individual was seen traveling in the opposite direction without the bed sheet.
An officer responded to the area and began tracking footprints and drag marks, which led to a nearby stripping pit. From the edge of the pit, the officer observed what appeared to be the object seen on the trail camera footage. A FLIR heat detection device was used, which indicated no heat signature coming from the object.
Due to nighttime conditions, weather concerns, and safety considerations, the location was marked and officers cleared the scene for the evening.
On Tuesday, January 6, Butler Township Police coordinated with Pottsville City Police Department and Pottsville City Fire Department to deploy an aerial drone in an effort to obtain overhead images. However, clear aerial photographs were not possible due to the rugged terrain.
Additional assistance was requested from several local agencies, as the stripping pit could only be accessed on foot and by utility vehicles. Crews from Yorkville Hose Company, Pottsville & West End Fire Company, and Mahanoy City Fire Department used rope access techniques to safely reach the area.
Upon access, responders discovered that the object was a recently deceased dog.
Butler Township Police expressed their appreciation to all assisting first responders and agencies for their coordinated efforts and professionalism during the incident.