Police launch dog death investigation (From Chard & Ilminster News)

Police launch dog death investigation

9:29am Wednesday 2nd January 2013 in News

POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a dog was found dead in suspicious circumstances in Haselbury Plucknett.

Shortly before 2pm on Sunday, December 30, police were contacted by a member of the public concerned for the welfare of a dog at a property in the village.

Officers attended the scene and found the body of a lurcher which may have been killed deliberately.

An enquiry has been launched to establish whether the dog was deliberately killed and officers would like to hear from anyone who was walking in the area at the time and may have information which could help us.

Inspector Jackie Gold, who was on duty at the time, said: "The death of an animal is always upsetting when it may have been done intentionally. On this occasion, the animal was found by a family out horse riding and they were understandably upset by their discovery.

"We believe the dog was killed deliberately in a cruel act and we are conducting enquiries to establish how the dog died and who is responsible.

"We do not believe the dog had been dead long when we found it so I am particularly keen to hear from anyone who was in the area on Sunday and may have seen something suspicious."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101. Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800-555111.