A German shepherd found beaten and left for dead in a dumpster in Vancouver on Wednesday has died.

The SPCA says the two-year-old dog went into cardiac arrest about 6 p.m. PT on Thursday, and despite working on the animal for half an hour, medical staff could not revive the animal.

Marcia Moriarty, the manager of cruelty investigations, said the dog was in critical condition when it was found wrapped in a blood stained blanket in the dumpster behind an apartment building. In addition to substantial lacerations and bruising, she added, tests revealed the dog was also suffering neurological damage and was likely quadriplegic.

SPCA investigators say they have identified the dog's owner and are conducting a forensic investigation, but say it's too early to confirm whether charges will be laid.

The dog was conscious but barely responsive when discovered by a person walking past the dumpster on Wednesday morning.