Slashed with machete by dognappers, four-legged victim of knife crime UK
NEW mother Zena suffered this deep slash from a machete as she tried to defend her six helpless puppies from burglars.
Two armed men had followed her owner into his flat in Manchester, attacking him and stealing cash, keys and phone.
He was slashed across the hands and forearms as he defended himself, and left on the floor as the pair ransacked the flat in Harpurhey on Saturday morning.
But not content with their haul, they then decided to take the Staffordshire bull terrier- cross puppies, lashing out at Zena with a machete as she tried to protect the five-week-olds. The two men then shoved the pups into carrier bags before fleeing.
In a public appeal for help by Greater Manchester police, Detective Constable Nick Kershaw said: ‘This was an incredibly callous robbery, where the offenders showed absolutely no regard for the safety of anyone, human or animal. The dogs are only five weeks old and, without their mother, they won’t survive very long.’
Several hours later, following a tip- off, detectives raided a flat in nearby Moston and recovered the dogs.
A 40- year- old man was arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary and remained in custody last night. Last night Mr Kershaw said: ‘This has been a fast-paced investigation and I am pleased to say that we recovered all six puppies. They are safe and well and have been reunited with Zena, who was absolutely delighted to see them. It has been a huge effort to reunite the puppies with their mother before the worst happened.’
News of the pups’ return was posted on the police’s Facebook page, prompting an outpouring of support. Jamie Austin wrote: ‘Such a happy ending, I was in tears reading about this before they were recovered,’ while Joanne Smithers added: ‘Back home with mum where they belong.’
‘No regard for human or animal’