Puppy ‘killed in hammer attack’

Man charged with animal cruelty & teen is bailed

A MAN is due in court today charged with an alleged hammer attack on a puppy.

The 23-year-old is expected to appear following the alleged incident in the Lurgan area.

A 16-year-old male, arrested in connection with the same incident, has been released on bail pending further enquiries.

Detective Chief Inspector Jon Burrows said: “The suspect has now been charged with an animal cruelty offence, refused bail and will appear at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court tomorrow morning.

“Animal cruelty will not be tolerated and will be professionally investigated.”

‘BLUDGEONED’

Police were called in to investigate reports that an 11-week-old pup, named Sparky, was bludgeoned with a hammer and put in a microwave before being dumped in a wheelie bin in the Ailsbury Park area of Lurgan, Co Armagh on Saturday.

Footage of the alleged attack was shared on social media. Detectives urged anyone who may have seen the footage or has photos of the incident to come forward. Yesterday, an online petition calling for Snapchat to co-operate with police on the issue had accumulated almost 10,000 signatures.

The Mirror contacted Snapchat last night for comment, but last night had not responded.

The police released an image of the dog on their Facebook page.

HELPLESS Sparky was allegedly killed with a hammer