Dog killed in horror stabbing and buried in a shallow grave

A DOG was stabbed to death and buried in a shallow grave in an incident described as “absolutely horrific”.

The young male black-and-white Staffordshire bull terrier cross was found in a wooded area in Inverness.

A post-mortem examination revealed the animal had been stabbed twice, in a lung and its heart.

Police were alerted by members of the public and reported the incident to the Scottish SPCA. A joint investigation is being carried out with Northern Constabulary.

The dog was found on 4 November near Assynt Road, in the Kinmylies area of the city.

Before the discovery, a member of the public had seen two men acting suspiciously in the area carrying a large bag and a spade.

Police are now trying to trace the men who were seen walking from the bottom of Assynt Road to a wooded area and a path that leads to the Caledonian Canal at about 1pm. Scottish SPCA Chief Inspector Iain Allan said: “This was an absolutely horrific attack on a young, defenceless animal.

“Police discovered the dog in a shallow grave which was covered by a wooden pallet.

“This was in a small wooded area, close to a residential part of the city. If these men hadn’t been noticed, there is a good chance no-one would have ever found this poor dog.

“This is now a joint investigation between the Scottish SPCA and Northern Constabulary and we would ask anyone who can help us identify those responsible for this attack to contact us as soon as possible.”

Paula Boyden, veterinary director of the Dogs Trust, said: “Inflicting cruelty of any nature on a defenceless animal should never be tolerated and anyone who commits an atrocity like this should be brought to justice.”

One of the men is described as being 35-45 years old, 5ft 10in, of medium build, bald and was wearing a blue T-shirt. The second is in the same age group, 5ft 10in, of medium build and was wearing a black jacket. He also had shoulder-length hair tied back in a pony tail.

Meanwhile, police in Tayside are investigating whether a pet rabbit was killed by being set on fire. The animal was found dead in its hutch in a garden in Arbroath on Tuesday night by its owner.

Tayside Police said yesterday officers are investigating a suspected case of animal cruelty in the Angus town. The force said one line of inquiry was whether an intruder had set the rabbit alight. Officers want to speak to a man seen looking into the garden the week previously. He is in his 20s, of slim build and was wearing a hooded top.

“He may not be involved but we are keen to speak to him”, the spokesman said.