news, local-news

POLICE are investigating a "disturbing" case of animal cruelty that saw a family pet dumped in a suburban backyard without a tail, decapitated and badly beaten. Zac French and his partner Jessica Scoins' Staffordshire bull terrier puppy Indi was stolen from their backyard on November 22, some time between 9am and 11am. Nearly three weeks after the theft, Ms Scoins found her pet's decomposed body dumped in their backyard. The couple say they're having a hard time dealing with Indi's death and fear for their own lives. "It seems like a threat to us," Mr French said. "She was left in clear view of our lounge room window." Ms Scoins admits she's not coping with the dog's horrific death and has had very little sleep since finding the dog on Saturday. "I just couldn't believe that someone would do this," she said. "This is a sick and twisted person who's very sadistic and ultimately this person needs to pay for what they've done." Mr French said there was no way the dog could have escaped from the yard which is secured by large padlocks, chains and chicken wire which ensure their three dogs couldn't slip through the bars. The yard is also monitored by CCTV cameras. Mr French said footage from the cameras is being reviewed and, following the incident, additional cameras have been installed to ensure the family is safe from further thefts. Mr French said the couple initially presumed their puppy had been stolen and reported the theft to police. After finding the body in the yard they again contacted police, who have launched an investigation. "When Jess found her she rang me in hysterics," Mr French said. "It looks like she'd been tortured for whatever reason, she had a few shave marks on her as well," he said. "They'd also cut her tail out." Mr French said it was obvious the dog hadn't been attacked by an animal. "I don't know who would have done this, someone that doesn't like us for some unknown reason ," he said. Mr French said he and Ms Scoins don't have any enemies and rarely socialise. "It's just home and work," he said. Despite the incident Mr French said he wouldn't succumb to "intimidation tactics". "I'm disgusted by this. If someone's got a problem confront me, don't take it out on an animal. I consider my animals like my family. "They must be sick and twisted to get some sort of thrill out of this," he said. Canobolas Local Area Command duty officer Bruce Grassick confirmed the matter was under investigation and police were appealing for anyone with information to contact police immediately. "This is a disturbing act of aggravated animal cruelty," Inspector Grassick said. "It's a significant matter but we believe it's an isolated incident." Inspector Grassick said dog owners were being reminded to be vigilant when it came to their pet's safely and security. tracey.prisk@fairfaxmedia.com.au

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