Dog stabbed in Dandenong backyard

A BELOVED family pooch, stabbed multiple times in a Dandenong backyard, could have been trying to defend the property, with investigators saying the family is “understandably distressed”.

Vera Novakovic, with a picture of her dog, Vuk. Picture: Mark Stewart

A FAMILY dog has been put down after it was found stabbed multiple times in its Dandenong backyard this morning.

Vuk, an 11-year-old Maltese cross Jack Russell, was found critically injured in his owner Vera Novakovic’s Fifth Avenue backyard.

Ms Novakovic followed a blood trail to her critically injured pooch about 5.45am.

She said he had multiple stab wounds to his shoulder and back when she found him dying in the backyard.

MORE: EPWORTH SCARE A BOMB HOAX: POLICE

THE HIT THAT UNRAVELLED CARL WILLIAMS’ EMPIRE

Vuk was an 11-year-old Maltese cross. Picture: Supplied

“Usually he gets up and greets me in the morning,” she said.

“I woke up and found a trail of blood to the back door. I walked over and he was covered in blood.”

She put him in her Isuzu to rush him to the vet, but found her back right car tyre had been slashed.

Ms Novakovic was at a loss to explain why someone would want to harm her or her dog.

Investigators are considering the possibility Vuk was stabbed while attempting to defend the family property.

Ms Novakovic said he was protective of the family and would bark at people as they passed the home.

“He was feisty and cute. He was part of the family,” she said.

“Maybe he was trying to protect us while someone was trying to break into the car.”

Ms Novakovic said he was part of the family. Picture: Mark Stewart

Blood on the pavement. Picture: Mark Stewart

Ms Novakovic’s mother woke to yelping sounds about 4am but could not find Vuk.

He would normally be leashed in the backyard but was freed earlier in the night when he became frightened by fireworks.

Ms Novakovic said: “Only a sick person would do this.”

“You are mentally disturbed — get help.”

Detective Senior Constable Alison Johnson said the dog was stabbed between 2am and 5am.

She said investigators believe it was an isolated incident.

The damaged vehicle was dusted for prints and the street canvased for CCTV as detectives search for the offender.

Det Sen Con Johnson urged them to hand themselves in to police.

“In my five years on the job I have never seen something like this before,” she said.

“The family are understandably distressed.”

Vuk was put down due to his severe injuries.

Ms Novakovic said criminals had targeted her Dandenong home only once before in 30 years.

“We have been broken into once. That’s all. I don’t know who would do this,” she said.

Greater Dandenong Crime Investigation Unit detectives have appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.