Ron Artest, the Sacramento Kings star forward, is under criminal investigation on suspicion of animal cruelty.

Placer County animal control officers took custody of his black-and-white female Great Dane on Monday. She is now being treated by a veterinarian.

A notice from animal control posted at the front of Artest's Loomis home indicated he is under investigation for failing to feed and nourish the dog.

Neighbors said the dog is often left alone in the yard for months at a time without food and water. They said animal control has taken custody of his dogs on at least three other occasions.