Dog attacked by other dogs, beaten by humans
Derry, NI (UK)Date: Apr 2005
Disposition: Open
Suspect(s) Unknown - We need your help!
Case Updates: 1 update(s) available |
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The USPCA and the police have mounted a joint operation in Derry as part of an investigation into a savage attack on a dog. The animal protection charity says the Staffordshire bull terrier was subjected to a terrifying and brutal ordeal, including having its testicles ripped off.
Known as Murphy, the Staffordshire bull terrier suffered horrendous injuries when it was taken from its owner`s yard and then set upon by other dogs, and possibly beaten and kicked by humans.
Murphy`s owner is Christopher Cooke.
Seven years ago he saved Murphy by taking him from people who had been using the dog for illegal dog fights.
Now the dog he saved and cared for has been ripped apart.
The police and the USPCA want to know exactly how Murphy was taken and by whom.
And they want to know if the dog was deliberately savaged so that unidentified persons could watch a sickening display of animal cruelty.
The PSNI and animal protection volunteers visited the Ballymagroarty area of Derry to find any dogs involved in the incident.
USPCA officers took away one dog claimed to have been involved.
Other dogs were examined but not taken away.
The dead dog will be subjected to a post-mortem examination to determine its exact injuries and pinpoint just who may have been involved.
The USPCA meanwhile say their investigation will continue until they find the culprits. Case UpdatesA bull terrier killed in Londonderry earlier this year did not die in a dog fight but was killed by people, according to an animal charity.
The inquiry by the Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (USPCA) began after the family pet was found dead in Ballymagroarty in March.
It had been suspected its injuries had happened during an illegal dog fight.
However, a post mortem examination concluded that its injuries had been inflicted by at least one person.
The USPCA's Stephen Philpott said: "Another dog couldn't have carried out those injuries, certainly a dog might have engaged the dead dog.
"In other words it might have distracted it and kept it busy, but certainly the blows that killed the animal were carried out by a human being, or a group of human beings.
"What makes this all the more awful is that after they did this to the dog, they then took it back and left it in its kennel to die."
The charity said organised dog fighting is rising in Northern Ireland with pets being stolen for the activity. It gets 7,000 animal cruelty calls each month. | Source: BBC News - July 20, 2005
Update posted on Jul 25, 2005 - 5:20AM |
References | U.TV - April 22, 2005 |
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