Village horrified by dog killing

The female Staffordshire bull terrier was found on Monday afternoon (January 14) by three dog walkers on land near The Glebe recreation ground.

It is understood an attempt had also been made to remove the microchip from the back of its neck.

Tony Walsh, one of those who made the discovery, said: “We weren’t sure at first whether it was a dog or a deer. Two of us went for a closer look and you could see exactly what had happened.

“It was quite a horrific injury, it wasn’t just a small cut.”

He said the fact the dog had been killed in a secluded spot indicated its owner probably had local knowledge.

An RSPCA inspector was called and estimated the brindle Staffie to be no more than a year old.

Mr Walsh, who has lived in the village for three years, said he was still reeling from the brutal attack on the animal, and had been to lay flowers at the spot where it was found.

“Whoever did this is evil,” he said. “The person must be found, they can’t get away with something like this.”

More than 100 comments condemning the dog’s killer have been posted on the Toddington Village Facebook page.

Parish councillor Joan Harradine said residents were appalled by the incident.

“It’s unbelievable, just horrendous,” she said. “Why didn’t they just take it to a shelter if they didn’t want it?

“I have been trying to put word out in the village in case anyone has noticed someone who owns a Staffie suddenly doesn’t have it any more.”

If you have any information about the attack, contact our newsdesk on 01582 798519.