Pet dog shot dead in Melbourne backyard
A restaurant owner is mourning the loss of his beloved pet dog - shot dead in the backyard of his home on Melbourne's Mornington Peninsula.
Max Paganoni discovered the four-year-old Miniature Dachshund, Levi, with a gun shot wound to his stomach at his Red Hill property, at around 7.45pm on Sunday.
Mr Paganoni said the animal was still warm when he picked him up.
"I took him inside and there was a puncture mark to his stomach," he told Seven News.
"I couldn't believe someone would shoot a dog, especially a small miniature, so I took him to the vets. They checked him and it definitely was a pellet.
"Someone is walking around with a gun and they're happy to use it, which is terrifying."
He described Levi as a friendly dog who was part of the family, and is questioning why anyone would want to shoot dead his beloved pet.
"The shock is unbelievable. Its like finding a child dead in your backyard," he said.
"It's like someone has got sick of your kids screaming in the backyard and they have walked up and shot them."
Levi's sister, three-year-old Zucker, was also outside at the time and witnessed the heartless attack, which vets believe was targeted.
"People in this area won't put up with somebody who's going to wander around and shoot an innocent animal," Mr Paganoni said, urging the culprit to turn himself in.
Police are investigating the deliberate shooting and trying to determine what firearm was used.
It is believed the dog was shot at close range and through a nearby fence.
Animal welfare officers say they are appalled by such cruelty.
RSPCA officer Maree Crabtree told Seven News: "We're shocked and horrified that someone has gone to this level to kill a loving, family pet.
"I feel saddened that someone feels this is an acceptable practice to use to destroy an animal.
"I don't understand the mental thoughts these people have when this kind of thing occurs."
Anyone found guilty of such an offence faces a minimum two-year jail-term, fines of up to $70,000 and a ban on keeping animals.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
