Merced Police initially conducted a welfare check on the dog Thursday and returned Sweetie to her owner. Police said the dog was released after a veterinarian determined she was in good health.
The situation has drawn attention from thousands of people across the country, with community members and animal advocates raising concerns about the dog's condition.
Cynthia Kelly, president of the Merced Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), said the organization had observed signs that Sweetie was being mistreated for months.
"She was thin, visibly thin, back in November. But now she looks emaciated. And so, we were confused by their post," Kelly said.
After Sweetie was initially returned to her owner, Merced Police posted an update on Facebook stating that additional information provided by community members allowed officers to take the dog into protective custody.
According to the department, the case will be reviewed to determine whether animal cruelty charges are warranted.
Last week, thousands of community members began advocating for action in the case.
Action News obtained images and videos submitted by concerned residents. In many of the images, Sweetie can be seen wearing a muzzle. Other images showed her rib cage.
Kelly also alleged she personally witnessed an incident involving the dog's owner.
"I was like, 'Hey, hey, you've got wire wrapped around that muzzle,' ... And then he just kind of ignored me, brushed me off and went back to looking at what he was doing. She started fidgeting, and immediately, he picked her up by the neck and slammed her down on the concrete ground," Kelly said.
The Merced SPCA said Sweetie is currently safe but that her future remains unclear.
The organization plans to hold a board meeting Monday to discuss organizing a rally outside the Merced County District Attorney's Office. The proposed protest would be intended to urge prosecutors to pursue felony criminal charges against Sweetie's owner.
Merced Police were contacted for additional comment but were not available.