GARDAÍ IN Gorey are  investigating an appalling act of cruelty, which occurred on an estate in the Riverchapel/Ardamine district recently, in which a small white terrier-type dog was viciously attacked with a hatchet.

An inspector from the North Wexford Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals attended a call out relating to animal cruelty following complaints received to the animal welfare group’s emergency response line.

The Inspector attended the scene and found an on-going domestic dispute where the man involved had viciously attacked a pet dog with a hatchet.

The inspector was refused access to see the dog to assess its injuries and provide veterinary treatment.

When the Inspector was subjected to abuse, a second NWSPCA Inspector was called to the scene, as well as the Garda Síochána.

With the support of the Gardaí, the dog was eventually removed from the scene by the NWSPCA and appeared lifeless, but slight breathing was detected.

The dog was transferred to the local veterinary hospital in Gorey, but died on route.

An initial veterinary inspection of the dead animal showed its injuries included a fractured skull, broken ribs and punctured lung.

A spokesperson for the Society said they were very horrified by the brutality of the attack, the Inspectors said that in terms of the viciousness shown towards this pet, it would be one of the worst cases they have encountered.

Full story in the Echo Group of Newspapers.