Members of the Calgary Police Service, Calgary Humane Society and City of Calgary Animal & Bylaw Services are investigating a suspicious animal death in the northeast community of Renfrew.

On Monday afternoon, police responded to a home in the 1400 block of Richland Road N.E. after the dog's owner located the remains of his pet crudely buried in the backyard of their home.

Police have deemed the dog's death as suspicious.

According to the owners, the death of their six-year-old border collie cross may have been retaliation for their delinquency in rent payments. The dog was found partially buried in the yard and the couple have shielded their three young children from the scene.

Preliminary investigation revealed the incident was not a random attack and police say there is no reason to believe neighbourhood residents, or their pets, are in any danger.

Anyone with information about the dog's death is asked to call the Calgary Police Service, 403-266-1234, or Crime Stoppers.