One dog is dead after chasing a pair of canoers on the Musquodoboit River.

Halifax RCMP say it happened around 1 p.m. on Saturday near Highway 357 in Elderbank.

Two people were riding in a canoe when three viscious dogs allegedly chased them and tried to get in the boat.

The first officer on scene decided they were in imminent danger and shot and killed one dog.

The two other animals ran away after the gunshot.

They say the dead dog did not have a collar or other identification.

The investigation continues.