Police and forensic scientists solved the mystery of an unauthorized, freshly dug grave in a Wellington cemetery Sunday after three days of careful excavation: It contained the remains of a large dog, dpa reported.
The alarm was raised after workers reported "unusual and potentially worrying" disturbance of soil at the cemetery in suburban Karori.
Detective Donna Howard told the Dominion Post newspaper that the investigation wasted a "significant amount of police time and resource," but there was no option but to thoroughly investigate.
Police are now trying to trace the owners of the deceased dog.