Thugs stamp a child's dog to death
ANIMAL welfare campaigners were left shocked and stunned last night after a teenage yob stamped a puppy to death in front of its owner.
They described the mindless attack, which happened in broad daylight, as “sickening” and urged the public not to turn a blind eye to such vile behaviour.
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Police and the RSPCA were last night investigating the horrific incident in which April Alderton, 15, saw her puppy killed.
She was carrying Sandy through her local park on Monday when the Jack Russell, its tail wagging, wandered over to three teenage boys in jeans and hooded tops.
Suddenly and for no reason, one of the gang callously stamped on the tiny animal’s head.
April had been given Sandy four weeks ago to help her cope with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder – a mental condition associated with behavioural problems.
Last night, the teenager from St Neots, Cambs, said: “Sandy was a lovely puppy. She was one of those things you can’t replace.”
Police promised the thugs who carried out the attack would be brought to task.
But social commentators warned that such behaviour was only symptomatic of the wider problem of Britain’s hooligan culture.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Grayling said: “Many communities and many people’s lives are being wrecked by anti-social behaviour, but when things turn to mindless brutality it’s time we dealt with the offenders with the full force of the law otherwise people will not have faith in our justice system.”
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Tory MP Philip Davies was also appalled by the attack.
He said: “This is a typically disgusting example of British society in 2009 and it shows why we need to get a proper grip on law and order.
“We need people to have respect for authority and it is going to take a long time to achieve. But it is essential we do, otherwise we will see more cases of this sort.”
An RSPCA spokeswoman added: “The problems we have with youth culture mean we are seeing more cases of animal cruelty. This was a particularly sickening attack and the police are rightly involved.”
An anonymous donor last night offered a £200 reward for information leading to the thug’s arrest.
Anyone with information is urged to call police on 0345 4564564 or the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.
