KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Police found the body of a dog that they believe was deliberately decapitated.

They discovered the animal's remains Tuesday evening in the driveway of an apartment complex on Locust Street near East 42nd Street.

It appeared to have been a 4-year-old male shepherd or border collie mix. Police weren't able to locate its head, and they had no way of knowing if it was someone's pet or a stray.

Michael Mullarky, a neighbor, said he used to walk his dog in the area and never saw any animal abuse taking place.

"It's a disturbing thing to hear people treating animals like that," Mullarky said.

Spay & Neuter Kansas City cares for about 4,200 animals each year.

"It's absolutely unacceptable. There are humane societies and shelters in place. There's programs in place that can take these animals," said Michelle Dormady, the organization's president. "If you witness or see someone abusing their animals or you can't take care of your animal properly, call a proper facility. Call a humane society. Call a shelter, and let them handle the animal."

In August, two dogs were discovered in northeast Kansas City with amputated legs. Someone had cut off one of their hind legs. After being treated for their wounds, those dogs were adopted.

Police said they didn't know whether the decapitated dog case was related to those incidents.

Dormady said a reward of up to $5,000 was available for a tip that leads to an arrest and conviction in this type of case. She urged anyone with any information to call the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.