Dog has ears hacked off in attack
A Staffordshire terrier puppy has had its ears hacked off in a brazen attack while its owners were at a Christmas party.
The RSPCA says it is at a loss to explain the motive behind the torture of the 12-week-old in Gympie, in south-east Queensland.
Owner Rachel Bainbridge's yard was fully fenced and an adult dog on the property was unharmed.
Michael Beatty from the RSPCA says dogs' ears are sometimes cut off in preparation for dog fighting.
"In this particular case, the ears have been cut right back to the head and it's a female and they don't use females for dog fighting, so we're just at a loss to understand," he told the ABC.
"There's every indication that it was done without any form of painkiller and so the animal would have been in absolutely excruciating pain and the dog could have bled to death."
Ms Bainbridge told the Gympie Times she has offered a reward of $500 to anyone with information leading to a conviction.
The RSPCA is now investigating the incident, which occurred between 3pm and 10.30pm on Friday.
Fines of up to $100,000 or up to two years in jail are major penalties for animal cruelty.
Rachel says the family has spent about $400 on vet bills so far, with more to come if an operation is needed.
"We've got an older Staffy as well, but he wasn't touched," she said.
"I just don't want to leave her at home anymore."
Anyone with information is asked to call the RSPCA Animal Cruelty section on 1300 852 188.
