02/11/2004

USPCA condemns bonfire dog death

The USPCA has condemned an incident in which a dog was tied up on a Hallowe’en bonfire and burned to death, describing it as a “mindless act of cruelty”.

The incident happened in the Glebe area of Sion Mills on Sunday night as local people celebrated the annual festivity in the Co Tyrone town.

The dog's owner, Mary Wilson, said she was devastated by the death but praised local residents who tried the save the animal but were beaten back by flames.

"It was terrible, I couldn't believe that anybody could do that to an animal," she said.

A spokesperson for the USPCA condemned the incident but said that it was just one of many incidents that occurred throughout the year.

"In the course of our work we come across some pretty blatant and mindless acts of cruelty against animals,” he said.

"Unfortunately at times like Hallowe’en, when some sort of social responsibility gets diminished right across the board, people carry out these acts and think they are funny."

Police are currently investigating the incident and have appealed for anyone with information to contact them.

(MB/GMCG)

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