Pet dogs found in pond

A south Canterbury woman is in shock after her two missing dogs were found slaughtered and dumped in the area's sewerage water reservoir.

The killings have sparked the offer of a $2000 reward for the culprits' arrest.

The dogs – a six-year-old brindle boxer called Lilly and a 10-month-old american bulldog called Layla – were stolen from their owner's home in Otematata on February 28. Otematata Holiday Park owner Tara O'Reilly said both of her "girls" were passive, lovely and part of the family.

Their killing was hard on her seven-year-old son, who regarded them as his best friends, she said.

"I'm just angry and I'm on a mission," Miss O'Reilly said "because if that can happen to me it can happen to anyone".

She said there had been an outpouring of support since a farmer had found the dogs in the treated water.

Miss O'Reilly said she would not rest until the culprits were found and had told animal rights group Paw Justice of the brutal act. The group's founder, Craig Dunn, told The Timaru Herald of the killings yesterday after Miss O'Reilly contacted him.

Although police have confirmed the bodies were found on Sunday and they are investigating, they declined to comment further.

Mr Dunn is offering a $2000 reward to anyone who dobs in the "psychopaths" responsible.

"This is horrific. They were found bludgeoned to death and thrown in the sewerage pond. It's a very small town so hopefully someone will know something."

People should not care about "narking" on their mates because animal cruelty was a proven precursor to more violent acts. "We've actually got these little psychopaths running around and we have got to get them off the street. It's cool if you nark on them. You're a hero."

Mr Dunn said if people were afraid to go to the police, they could visit pawjustice.co.nz.

- © Fairfax NZ News