N.S. SPCA investigates death of dog found chained in Cape Breton woods

SYDNEY, N.S. - The SPCA in Cape Breton is investigating a possible case of animal abuse after the body of a chained dog was found dead in a wooded area this week.
Kristian Williams, executive director of the Nova Scotia SPCA, said Thursday the carcass of the male bull mastiff mixed breed was found in an isolated logging area in Barrachois.
It has been taken to Truro for examination by a veterinarian.
Williams said the examination will likely show whether the dog froze to death.
Barrachois resident Joe Bona called police after finding the dead dog on logging property near his home.
"This is clear that there is a case here to be investigated and potentially charges that may result," said Williams. "Once we know more from the (autopsy), we will be able to determine the course of the investigation."
Bona said he became worried about the animal, which appeared to be a watchdog for a wood cutting operation, a number of years ago.
He said he called the SPCA in 2007 after observing that the dog's chain was often tangled up in stumps and bushes so that it couldn't reach its doghouse and there didn't appear to be food or water regularly available for the animal.
A doghouse on the property appeared to offer little shelter from the weather, he said.
Williams said the SPCA won't reveal the identity of the dog's owner unless charges are laid.