Dog tortured and killed by drunk gang of yobs

A DOG was strangled, hung from a tree and set on fire by a gang of drunken youths in Dudley woodland.

But frustrated RSPCA officers are unable to launch an official investigation to catch the thugs responsible until the charred remains of the dog are found.

The unidentified animal was burned then left hanging from a tree in Bluebell Road on the Priory Estate after being subjected to the horrific ordeal by a group of drunken youths last Saturday night (March 10).

The remains of the dog are believed to have been found by a man walking his dog the next day but have since disappeared.

An RSPCA spokeswoman said they were continuing to make inquiries after a number of anonymous calls but currently had no evidence of the incident.

Shocked Bluebell Road residents have spoken out over the "horrific" attack.

Tony Jackson said: "It makes me sick. What do they get out of it? I can't get my head around it.

"It doesn't surprise me round here. I can't wait to get out of here now."

John Bennett added: "Where the hell does it stop? It's still shocking me now. They just don't care do they? What harm is an innocent dog going to do?"

Castle and Priory Councillor Margaret Aston, a volunteer for animal charity PDSA for eight years, said: "It's terrible, horrific.

"It makes you think what the dog must have suffered. It's affected everybody, I've not heard of anything like this before.

"I'm really, really concerned. Something's got to be done - we're not going to stand for it."

Anyone with information should contact the RSPCA on 0845 5555 999 and ask for Inspector Gemma Cox, the police on 0845 113 5000 or cllr Margaret Aston on 01902 677475 in confidence.