A Pennsylvania woman is facing serious criminal charges after investigators say she abandoned her badly injured dog and then tried to intimidate a witness by sending racy photographs of them in an attempt to derail the investigation.

Palina Williams, 31, has been charged with felony aggravated cruelty to animals and felony intimidation of witnesses or victims, according to Pennsylvania State Police. She also faces misdemeanor counts of cruelty to animals and invasion of privacy in connection with the disturbing case.

Authorities say the situation first came to light on Feb. 21, when a passerby discovered a dog abandoned along a roadway. The animal appeared severely injured and in distress. Concerned for its safety, the person who found the dog took it immediately to a veterinarian for treatment.

What the veterinarian discovered raised even more alarming questions.

According to police, the dog had suffered two fractures in its pelvis, injuries that likely caused severe pain and would have made it difficult for the animal to walk. Veterinarians also found numerous chicken bones inside the dog’s stomach.

The extent of the injuries prompted concern that the animal may have been abused before being abandoned.

The person who rescued the dog later shared the situation on social media, hoping to identify the owner and possibly gather more information about what had happened to the animal. That post eventually helped investigators track the case back to Williams, police said.

As the investigation unfolded, troopers say they uncovered an even more troubling development.

According to the state police press release, Williams allegedly contacted an acquaintance and asked them to kill the dog. Investigators say she also suggested abandoning the animal instead.

Police allege that after learning the acquaintance might speak to authorities, Williams attempted to silence the person by sending innaporpriate photographs of them to others.

Troopers say the images were disseminated specifically to intimidate the witness and discourage them from cooperating with the investigation.

Witness intimidation and nonconsensual distribution of intimate images are both taken seriously under Pennsylvania law, particularly when they are used to obstruct a criminal investigation.

Williams was subsequently arrested and charged in connection with the case. Authorities say she is currently being held in lieu of $100,000 bail.

It is not immediately clear whether Williams has entered a plea or retained legal representation.

Despite the severity of the injuries, there is at least one hopeful element in the case: the dog survived.

State police said the animal remains alive and is continuing to receive veterinary care. Officials have not released details about the dog’s current condition or long-term prognosis, but rescuers say they are hopeful the animal will recover.

Cases involving severe animal cruelty often generate strong reactions from the public, particularly when investigators believe the abuse may have been intentional.

Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing as they continue gathering evidence and preparing the case for court.