KOCHVILLE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) — Animal welfare advocates say they are offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to people responsible for leaving an emaciated calf in a trash can outside a store near Saginaw.

The Saginaw News reports Thursday the Humane Society announced the reward stemming from Saturday’s discovery of the calf outside Gander Mountain in Saginaw County’s Kochville Township. Sheriff William Federspiel said the calf “was on its last breath” and died shortly after being found.

Jill Fritz, the Humane Society’s state director, says anyone capable of disregarding “the prolonged suffering of a defenseless, young animal is a hazard to the community at large.”

Federspiel said Wednesday investigators have been working to get records of the calf’s sale.

Authorities are pursuing animal cruelty charges and also seek public information.