A DOG killer who taped around an animal’s head until it suffocated is being hunted following the shocking attack.

The horrific animal cruelty case unfolded at a home in Craigieburn on Thursday last week.

Detective Sergeant Peter Griffiths from Hume CIU said it was a case of animal cruelty.

media_camera Toby the rescue dog.

It is believed the culprit entered the backyard of the Abercarn Avenue property before approaching rescue dog Toby.

“A widowed woman went out into her yard and found the dog deceased,” he said.

“This is a terrible crime; the dog died in a very distressed way.”

Duct-tape was applied to the entire head of the Staffy cross, causing it to suffocate.

Detective Sergeant Griffiths said Toby was “basically a refugee from the Lort Smith animal hospital and the woman had the dog for about five years.”

“This is just a horrible, horrible offence,” he said.

“We believe it’s a random attack. What’s a dog done to someone?”

The dog’s owner, a 71-year-old woman, was too distressed to speak.

Police have been liaising with Hume Council and there’s never been any complaints about the dog.

Duct-tape was applied to the entire head of the Staffy cross, causing it to suffocate.

Detective Senior Constable Lee Barton branded it a despicable act.

“Toby was a nine-year-old rescue dog and described as very friendly in nature,” he said.

“This incident has understandably caused the owner great distress and we would like to find the person responsible as soon as possible.”

Anyone with any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.