Family pet stabbed to death in “brutal” attack in state’s north
A beloved family dog has been stabbed to death in a “brutal” attack near Myrtleford, with the offender pulling up outside the Glen Creek property and attacking the pet in the front yard.
VIC News
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The Symons’ family’s beloved pet dog Ezra was brutally stabbed four time last Monday, in an attack that has left the family devastated.
Rhiannon, 19, was at home alone when she heard a “yelp” from her two-year-old kelpie-border collie cross.
Dad Darryl said his daughter ran outside in time to see a man jumping back over the fence and driving off.
“I was away at the time but I got a phone call off her saying that a man has jumped the fence and stabbed the dog,” Mr Symons said.
“They’d stabbed her (Ezra) four times and poured poison over her face.
“It’s very sickening and violent – they’ve basically just murdered the dog.
“The dog was a shadow to her.”
He said Ms Symons was shaken and angry at what had happened.
“She’s just a country kid. She’s into her animals and horses.
“(Ezra) followed Rhiannon around everywhere, she’d go get the cattle in.
“It’s a fair bit for a kid to see happening.”
Mr Symons said the family could think of no reason as to why they had been targeted.
“We don’t why – if it’s mistaken, or targeting Rhi or the family.
“To come to our place you’re not just driving past – these people came here to do a job.
“[And] the dog would have walked up to them … wagging its tail with a toy in her mouth.”
Mr Symons said his daughter had rushed the family pet to the vet, but sadly she couldn’t be saved.
The family are now appealing for anyone who noticed a car in the area about 6pm, or on local highways, to contact police.
Mr Symons also added that the car had no front number plate and the poison smelt like Roundup, a chemical commonly used on farms and gardens.
Investigators believe a dark blue Subaru Forrester pulled up outside the Tunnel Gap Road home and a passenger got out, approaching the dog.
Leading Senior Constable Craig Lee said the attack was “vicious and disgusting” and is urging for anyone in the area with information to come forward to police.
“The attack is absolutely horrendous for the family to have to deal with,” Senior Constable Lee said.
“The dog was stabbed twice in the chest and twice in the abdomen.
“We are now particularly looking for anyone in the area who might have had dash-cam footage to come forward to police.”
No motive is said to be behind the attack, and police are investigating whether the attack was mis-targeted.
“We are investigating whether the attack may have targeted the wrong people and dog,” Senior Constable Lee said.
“The dog was not aggressive, was very friendly and was along the boundary of the house.”
Police described the offender as a tall caucasion male wearing a black hoodie.
The alleged offender is said to have driven an early model Subaru Forester with the number plates missing.
The dog sadly died as a result of the fatal injuries.
Investigators are now appealing for details of anyone who was seen acting suspiciously at the time.
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The offender is described as tall with a thin build and was wearing a black hoodie and black tracksuits pants at the time.
The investigation remains ongoing and anyone who saw any suspicious activity or with any information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au