Inspector Rachel Stedman said she was ''concerned'' a male black and light tan German shepherd or huntaway puppy, about 4 months old, was found inside a blue suitcase at Fairfax Cemetery.
The puppy was wearing a red collar.
''It is looking suspicious at this stage.''
However, as the dog's death was under investigation, Miss Stedman could not disclose if the dog had been mistreated.
When the suitcase was discovered on Tuesday, there were pebbles placed on top of the suitcase forming a cross, she said.
SPCA Otago was appealing for information from anyone who had seen any unusual behaviour at the cemetery in the past week or who could identify the dog.
''We want as much information as possible. It was in a public area and someone may have seen something, or knew someone who had a dog like that.''
Anyone with information could email Miss Stedman at rachel@otago-spca.org.nz or call SPCA Otago on 03 473 8252.
