There has been widespread public anger after a small family dog in Newcastle was attacked by what appears to be a very corrosive liquid causing severe burns to its back. The dog has been treated by a vet and is relatively comfortable despite its severe violent trauma.
It is understood that a liquid was poured over the back of the dog in the Burren Meadow area in Newcastle between 7-9pm on Thursday 18 September.
Newcastle police have appealed for anyone with information to come forward and have asked for anyone with information to phone the non-emergency telephone number at 101. Local politicians and animal campaigners have unanimously condemned the attack.
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Family pet Fergie from Newcastle experienced a horrific attack with a corrosive liquid.[/caption]
South Down MLA Seán Rogers expressed his disgust with the crime and said: “I wish to fully condemn the recent attack on poor Fergie in Burren Meadow, Newcastle. This is in no way acceptable and I would call on local people to contact Police so that this dangerous individual can be caught and brought before the Courts. I also wish Fergie a speedy recovery from what must have been a terrifying ordeal.”
Newcastle area Councillor Laura Devlin (SDLP) said she was incensed at the attack and added: “I am shocked and appalled to hear about the investigation into this alleged animal cruelty in Newcastle.
“The little dog “Fergie” received horrendous burns last week in Burren Meadow on the Castlewellan Road in Newcastle… burns that could potentially have been life-threatening. Since the news of this incident broke the local community have been in an uproar and are rallying around the family concerned.
“This is deeply disturbing and worrying for the whole area but is in no way reflective of the community spirit. Little Fergie is back at home with his family but is sadly likely to be scarred. I hope he makes a speedy recovery from this awful ordeal.
“I took the opportunity on Monday morning to raise this very issue at Down’s Police and Community Safety Partnership meeting, of which I am a member. Senior Officers present shared my concerns and agreed to increase patrols in the area with a view to reassuring the community.
“I would appeal to anyone with any information in respect of this very heinous attack to contact local Police immediately on 101.”
Sinn Fèin Newcastle Councillor Willie Clarke has also voiced his outrage at the people responsible for the recent attack on a dog in Newcastle which resulted in a dog being left with burns to its skin. It is believed a corrosive liquid was poured over the animal in the Burren Meadow area of Newcastle.
He said: “It is repulsive that some person or persons could inflict such pain and injury to a family pet. I met Fergie and his owners on Saturday. Fergie is obviously in a lot of discomfort but his friendly nature has not been affected.
“The whole community has been very supportive of Fergie and his owners and want to see the person or persons responsible to be brought before the courts to receive adequate punishment for this hideous crime; any person with any information should make it available to the PSNI.”
Alliance Newcastle Councillor Patrick Clarke has also strongly condemned the recent attack on a dog in Newcastle when the dog was found with burns to its skin. He said: “I am totally appalled by the recent alleged case of animal cruelty in Newcastle when a defenceless dog was subjected to a harmful liquid being poured over the animal resulting in burns to the dog’s skin.
“The incident is an absolute despicable and sickening act and clearly an act of animal cruelty which I totally and utterly condemn.
“Anyone who would carry out such a cruel and criminal act causing injuries to the dog has no regard for the animal’s welfare and needs to be brought before the courts.
And a local animal rights campaigner was also incensed and said: “This is just digraceful. How anyone could do such a thing beggars belief. It is cold and heartless. The perpetrator(s) must be caught and dealt with by the police before any more animals are injured.”
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