Blade used to kill dog

The SPCA is appealing to the public over a violent, fatal attack on a young dog at the end of Moanataiari Creek Rd in Thames on Monday.

National chief inspector Charles Cadwallader said a walker found the dead staffordshire-cross dark-brindle bitch at 4pm and contacted the Thames SPCA.

"They found a dog which had been subjected to violence with a bladed instrument and had died," he said.

"The appearance would indicate it was a vicious and sustained attack resulting in fatal injuries."

The dog, which was restrained during the attack, had recently had pups.

Mr Cadwallader would like to hear from anyone with information about the attack. "Someone somewhere has lost a bitch," he said. "The offenders were likely heavily bloodstained."

Three dark-skinned youths, all wearing sunglasses, had run off when the walker appeared. Mr Cadwallader said he would like to speak to them in order to rule them out of the SPCA inquiries.

- © Fairfax NZ News