TORONTO - An Orono, ON family is “distraught” after finding their dog hanging in their backyard in what appears to be a deliberate case of cruelty.

The family left “Heidi,” a Miniature Schnauzer, on a line with the owners’ other dog a week ago around 4 p.m., The Humane Society of Durham Region said Monday. Upon return an hour later, Heidi was hanging on a chain that had been laying on the homeowners’ backyard deck.

“The family is very distraught over this incident,” SPCA officer Debby Houghton said in a release. “Not only did someone come onto their property but, it appears, deliberately hung their dog.”