MARION BRIDGE, N.S. —

Hugh Matthews, 34, from Marion Bridge, has been charged with causing distress to an animal, contrary to Sect. 26(1) of the Animal Protection Act of Nova Scotia, according to a news release.

On Aug. 25, SPCA enforcement officers responded to a request from the Cape Breton Regional Police, after reports of a dog tethered to a truck being driven in Marion Bridge, the release said. The dog was later pronounced deceased.

Matthews is scheduled to appear in Sydney provincial court on Oct.27.