Dog dies after fireworks attack

The youths threw fireworks at the kennels where dogs are housed

A dog has died after a gang of youths threw fireworks at a boarding kennels in Bellshill in North Lanarkshire.

Buddy the Rottweiler is believed to have suffered a heart attack after being hit by a firework at Orbiston Kennels on Sunday evening.

Police were called to the kennels just off Motherwell Road at about 1830 GMT after complaints from staff.

Four teenagers were apprehended in connection with the incident and a report sent to the procurator fiscal.

Staff at the centre were left distraught at the death of nine-year-old Buddy.

Kennels manager Fiona Hope told the BBC Scotland news website: "We are all devastated. The youths who did this are complete thugs.

We now have to bring the dogs inside as soon as it gets dark Fiona Hope Orbiston Kennels

"I was here on Sunday night and it was like a war-zone. There was about 15 fireworks thrown at the kennels over a three-hour period."

She added: "These youths are actively targeting the dogs. I heard one say: 'Can you see the dogs? Give me a lighter'."

Ms Hope revealed that the kennels had been attacked by teenage gangs on a number of occasions over the past few months.

She said staff had been threatened and a bottle had been thrown at the owner.

The kennels house up to 40 dogs at a time.

Ms Hope added: "We now have to bring the dogs inside as soon as it gets dark. We can't walk them or even let them out in the specially built runs."

'Totally reckless'

Alan Wylie, from Bellshill police community safety department, said: "A dog died after being subjected to a prolonged firework attack on a premises which provides a sanctuary for animals.

"The youngsters not only placed themselves in danger but placed nearby residents in peril.

"Every year the emergency services issue health and safety warnings relating to the use of fireworks.

"Unfortunately there are some people within our communities who fail to heed such advice, placing the welfare and safety of residents and animals in our communities at peril by their totally reckless acts."