Family tell of devastation after dog 'strangled to death' with towel in backyard
A Brisbane family is devastated following what police are calling a "sickening attack" on a pet dog.
The 17-year-old West Highland Terrier, named Scruffy, was found dead with a towel from the family's clothesline tied around his neck at Northam Avenue, Bardon.
The towel was then tied to a plant.
Liam and Cath Proberts were in Sydney at a wedding when their son made the awful discovery on Friday.
They said what has happened to the sixth member of their family has come as a big shock.
Liam Proberts told 7News: "It appears he may have been strangled. We don't know exactly, but it was vicious."
The incident has left the family concerned.
Cath Proberts said, "We're living in a neighbourhood that someone's capable of not only attacking Scruff, but leaving him on display, so the intent was very malicious."
Mrs Proberts said Scruffy hadn't barked for the last year because he was so old.
"Our neighbours said they didn't even know we had a dog," she said.
The family can’t imagine who would do such a thing to their “defenceless” pet who could barely walk up the stairs.
It's believed Scruffy was attacked sometime between 10.30am and 3pm on Friday, police said in a statement on Sunday night.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.