Police hunt 'sick' dog attackers

Police are studying CCTV footage in an effort to identify the gang

Police are hunting a "sick" gang who beat an elderly dog and left her for dead in Dundee.

Yorkshire terrier Kelly was being walked by her owner, who has not been identified, in Hilltown on Monday at 0320 BST when three men chased them.

The dog's male owner managed to get to safety but 14-year-old Kelly had not followed and was badly beaten.

A police spokeswoman said Kelly's owner was very upset as he had cared for her since she was only weeks old.

Tayside Police has appealed for witnesses and said the three men, thought to be in their 20s, were under the influence of alcohol at the time of the attack.

A spokeswoman said the dog was in "a very bad way" after receiving several blows to her head and body.

This attack is sheer mindless violence and whoever did this should be thoroughly disgusted with themselves SSPCA spokeswoman

"Her owner is understandably very upset and he has had Kelly since she was four weeks old. She is a great companion to him," the spokeswoman said.

"The men responsible for this brutal and unprovoked attack are truly sick. They should be utterly disgusted with their behaviour."

The Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said it was an "appalling and cowardly attack".

A spokeswoman added: "There will be someone, somewhere who knows who did this and they should pick up the phone.

"Even if the poor dog recovers, it will probably never be the same.

"This attack is sheer mindless violence and whoever did this should be thoroughly disgusted with themselves, it is beyond contempt."

Police are studying CCTV footage taken from the area in an effort to identify the attackers.