Burglars Kill Family's Dog

Police are appealing for information after a dog was killed during a burglary near Winchester.

The burglary took place at an address on Gilbert Street, Ropley, at sometime between 9.30pm on Thursday, November 22 and 8am on Friday, November 23.

The offenders went to the garage which is joined to the main house and forced open the doors. The family dog, a one-year-old Border Collie called Red, was in her kennel which was outside the garage.

The offenders then hit Red on the head with a heavy object causing fatal injuries.

The offenders left empty handed.

Red was found by a family member the following morning. She was taken to the vet where she was put to sleep due to the extent of her injuries.

PC Emma Purser, said:

“The family are devastated by the loss of their much loved family pet, Red.

"She had been bred by the owner and was expected to eventually be put to work on the family farm, herding sheep.

"The family are shocked and distressed by the callous and brutal attack on this defenceless creature, who was chained to her kennel outside the garage and posed no risk to the offenders.

“It appears they have injured Red whilst trying to gain access to the garage and have then left empty handed.

“I would urge anyone with any information about this despicable attack to get in touch at the earliest opportunity and help us find the person or people responsible.”

Anyone with any information should contact the Priority Crime Team at North Walls police station on 101 or call Crimestoppers, the charity, anonymously on 0800 555 111