A mother has been left heartbroken after an intruder brutally kicked her chihuaha in the face – leaving it with such horrific injuries it had to be put to sleep.
Evangeline Ecclestone recalled hearing a “yelp” after a prowler broke into her back garden in Rising Brook, Stafford while her daughter was putting the dogs out. On hearing the pooch’s cries, they rushed out and found Reggie’s jaw “hanging off”. They took their beloved pet to the vets, but were told the only option was to have him put down the same day on December, 29.
The heartbroken family have launched an appeal for help catching the monster responsible as police launch their own probe. In an appeal shared online, Evangeline said: “With absolute horror and heartbreak I’m reaching out for help. At around 4.30pm someone entered my daughter’s garden, through neighbouring gardens we are guessing, over fence, unfortunately just as she was letting her two small dogs out.
“A couple of minutes went by and the smallest of her dogs Reggie let out a loud yelp! He had been kicked that hard in the face it had fractured both jaws, his bottom jaw was hanging off.
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“On rushing him into the veterinary hospital in Penkridge, after scans and an X-ray sadly there was nothing at all that could be done. The police have been informed and to be fair have been fantastic, however there is so much they can do.
“So, if anyone has any information whatsoever, someone bragging or mentioning an incident on Rising Brook on Sunday, December 29, please message me.”
In an update shared on New Year’s Eve, Evangeline said: “Police attended location of brutal attack. They have contracted vets for a report on dogs injuries.
“We all have a feeling that police have an idea who’s capable of basically, trespassing with a view to robbery. Kicking a dog to death.
“We are desperate for tip off of a name, ideally footage for any property between the garage and the Royal Oak public house between 4.15pm and 5.15pm on Sunday, December 29.”
Police are now keen to speak to anyone with information amid the ongoing investigation to find out what happened to the dog. A full statement from the force read: “At around 4.30pm on Sunday at a house on Rising Brook, it is believed that an unknown person went into the back garden of the address at the same time that two dogs had been let out.
“The owner of a chihuahua heard the dog yelp. When the dog came back inside, it had suffered serious injuries to his face and was rushed to a vet. Sadly, nothing could be done to save the dog and he was later put to sleep.
“It is believed that the unknown person in the back garden assaulted the dog before leaving the area. We’re continuing to carry out enquiries in the area as part of our investigation to find out what happened to the dog and we’re keen to speak to anyone with any information that can help us.”
Witnesses should call 101, quoting incident 635 of December 29, or use Live Chat on the force’s website. To report anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.