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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."

Cath and Liam Proberts were in Sydney when their son made the shocking discovery. Source: 7News
Cath and Liam Proberts were in Sydney when their son made the shocking discovery. Source: 7News
The family said their dog couldn't bark any more due to his age. Source: 7News
The family said their dog couldn't bark any more due to his age. Source: 7News

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."

Scruffy was found dead after incident of animal cruelty. Photo: 7 News
Scruffy was found dead after incident of animal cruelty. Photo: 7 News

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.