FOREST GROVE, Ore. – Two people were arrested and taken to jail Monday following the discovery of a dog that had been reportedly beaten with a hammer and then buried alive.

The dog, still alive, was later taken to a Oregon Humane Society facility where it was euthanized. Investigators said a necropsy revealed a long history of abuse suffered by the 14-year-old canine.

Hyrum Long, 75, was arrested on felony animal abuse charges and his daughter, Susan Johnson, faces misdemeanor animal neglect charges. Both were released from jail Tuesday morning pending their trials.

Police said the dog, named Molly, was suffering from starvation, had sores from lying down for long periods of time and was “completely infested” with fleas. An officer called other unreleased details in the necropsy report “horrific.”

They said the dog probably would not have lived for another 24 hours on her own.

Long denied the dog was abused or malnourished and told KATU News that he “made a bad choice doing this.” He said he loves dogs.

Long claims Molly was “sick” and that he was putting her out of her misery. He also said his daughter wanted the dog buried at home. Long buried the dog but neighbors said they heard the dog crying for help.

Long said he believed the dog was dead when he buried her.

Long said his daughter could not afford to have Molly euthanized. He did not deny that he hit Molly with a hammer and said, “I did the wrong thing, I’m not trying to recuse myself, I did a bad thing.”

An investigation is continuing. Future court dates for Long and Johnson were not immediately released.