NOVA.SCOTIA (CBC) - Nova Scotia RCMP suspect a horse found dead in South Maitland was shot.

The animal, named Bailey, was found by its owner Friday morning during a routine check. Enfield RCMP said the horse was in a pasture, lying on its injured side in a fenced area.

The Mounties subsequently found blood on the ground, a set of four-wheeler tracks beyond the fence line and a shell casing nearby.

The tracks led to the roadway near Highway 215 in Maitland.

The RCMP are asking for the public's help in gathering additional information.