Dog Found Off Bay Pines Bridge

A dog's decomposing body with weights tied around its neck was found floating in the waters off Bay Pines Bridge Sunday.

The , with assistance from the, is investigating the discovery as animal cruelty. Investigators are asking for the public's help.

SPCA Tampa Bay humane officer Rick Levi was called to the scene Sunday night to assist Sheriff’s deputies in removing the body, which was discovered during low tide, according to the SPCA.

The dog appears to be a Bull Terrier with black fur. The breed has a stocky body, pointed nose and short legs. The dog appears to have been dead for some time.

A citizen called the Sheriff's Office when the body was seen offshore, and deputies investiagted.

Bay Pines Bridge is near Tyrone Boulevard, just north of Madeira Beach. The bridge goes over Long Bayou, which empties into Boca Ciega Bay.

"One of the things SPCA does is work with law enforcement and do a necropsy to assist in the investigation," said Nora Hawkins, spokeswoman for the SPCA.

The necropsy will determine the cause and time of death, provide more details on the breed, and give other details, she said. The results should be available by Tuesday afternoon.

Bull Terriers are distinctive for their pointed noses, egg shaped heads and short fur. A Bull Terrier was "Spuds MacKenzie" in the 1980s Budweiser TV commercials; more recently, the breed is a well-identified image in Target Department Store ads.

Anyone who may have information on the dog, its owner or the events that led to the animal being dumped into the water is asked to call the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, 727-582-6200. Please reference case No. 11-918-RL107.

The public also can contact the SPCA, which encourages people to report animal cruelty. If neglect or abuse of an animal is suspected, contact SPCA Tampa Bay 24 hours a day, at 727-586-3591, ext. 135.