FORT MYERS, Fla.- Lee County Sheriff's Deputies were dispatched to 5440 Eleventh Ave. on Saturday, in reference to accusations that a pit bull had been suffocated.

Earlier that day, an Animal Control officer had made contact with a pit bull's owner, who stated that her ex-husband had recently used the 9-year-old dog for fighting in Pine Manor. When the dog was returned home, he had bites all over him and the owner said that he had been sick ever since. Animal Control determined the dog to be malnourished and issued the owner citations. The owner was instructed to take the dog to a vet within 48 hours of being issued the citations.

The dog's owner told the Animal Control officer that she was on public assistance and could not afford a visit to the vet. She added that she wanted to keep the dog and would find a way. According to the report, the dog had to be carried back into the house.

The Animal Control officer left, but drove by 10 minutes later, only to observe someone walking near the house with a shovel in his hand.

At the same time, 911 had been called to 5440 Eleventh Ave. regarding two males who had allegedly grabbed a pit bull, put a bag over its head and suffocated it until it stopped moving.

An LCSO officer approached the man who had been seen with the shovel and asked what had happened to the pit bull.

The man told the officer, "The dog died. I just finished burying him."

Fearing the dog may have been buried alive under the circumstances, the officer asked that he uncover the dog, which he did.

Officers are awaiting necropsy results.

The investigation continues.