Family dog found hanging in backyard near Toronto

Humane Society investigators are looking for help after a dog was found hanging in the backyard of a family's home near Toronto. Investigators say the dog was deliberately killed.

The Toronto Star reports the owner of a miniature schnauzer named Heidi had leashed her and another family dog to a running line in the backyard when he went to pick up his wife, mid-afternoon on September 17. When the couple returned to their home in Orono, east of Toronto, they found Heidi hanging about 3 inches off the ground. Humane Society of Durham Region investigator Debby Houghton says, “It appears that someone had come onto the property removed the chain that was not being used, off the deck and attached it to Heidi’s collar, pulled it tight and attached the other end to the deck, causing the little dog to be suspended by its neck, with its back feet barely touching the ground where it had hung itself.” Houghton says, “The family is very distraught over this incident, not only did someone come onto their property but, it appears, deliberately hung their dog.” The Humane Society of Durham Region is hoping anyone who has information about the case will come forward and help investigators.