Update 2/6/23: Troopers have identified the dog's owner as 24-year-old Miranda Waldman, of Williamsport.

Officials say she confessed to being the owner of the dog and leaving it outside the store.

State Police say animal cruelty charges will be filed against Waldman, but she has not yet been formally charged.

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Troopers from the Montoursville barracks of the Pennsylvania State Police have opened a cruelty to animals investigation after a dog was found abandoned in a rear parking lot on Friday Night.

According to Troopers, the long-haired German Shephard was found locked in a crate with a bag of dog food placed on top of it in the area of Hobby Lobby on East Third Street in Loyalsock Township, around 8:20 PM.

Officials say the dog appeared to be malnourished and was found laying in feces.

Troopers say they do not know how long the dog was left outside. But they say due to the cold weather and the dog's overall physical condition, they have decided to investigate the incident as a case of animal cruelty.

The dog has since been turned over to the Lycoming County SPCA.

If anyone has any information or may know who the potential owner might be, they are encouraged to contact PSP Montoursville Trooper Arnold at (570) 368-5700.