'He was a gentle giant': Woman finds pet dog beaten to death in yard
An Altona woman who popped out for a couple of hours on Tuesday afternoon came home to find her pet dog, Amigo, beaten to death in the back yard.
Police say that the dog – a bull Arab-great Dane cross – died defending the family home from would-be robbers.
Tracy Kenwery returned to her Civic Parade home at 5pm to find her two-year-old pet bleeding from the head in the back yard.
Ms Kenwery said Amigo had already had a hard life and had been beaten and starved before she rescued him when he was 3½ months old.
‘‘He was very gentle and was becoming my companion dog,’’ she said.
‘‘He was the most innocent and gentle giant.’’
Ms Kenwery said she was only out for two hours between 3pm and 5pm.
The back gate and garden shed had been opened but nothing was taken.
Amigo was found just near the back door – dead, beaten and bloodied.
Leading Senior Constable Natalie Dean said Amigo was likely killed defending the family home.
‘‘It is believed offenders have gained entry to the rear yard by the side gate and may have been confronted by the dog,’’ she said.
‘‘The family’s dog, a two-year old bull Arab cross great Dane was assaulted, causing fatal injuries.
‘‘The exact cause of the dog’s death is unknown and the investigation is ongoing.’’
Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.