The hunt is on for the "depraved scum" who severely beat a dog and buried it alive under rocks.
The three-year-old American bulldog was found in a shallow grave by a member of the public in the Ballyarnett area of Co Derry, Northern Ireland.
The poor pooch was emaciated, bloodied and freezing cold. Her injuries included brain damage, fractured ribs and a punctured lung.
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An eyewitness reported seeing two men put her into a hole in the ground and pummel her with rocks, reports BelfastLive.
The dog was put to sleep by an emergency vet team as a member of an animal welfare charity held her in their arms.
Police have now launched an investigation into the horrifying crime.
Ballyarnett Neighbourhood Inspector Ryan Robb, said: "We are aware of the level of concern and anger in relation to this absolutely sickening and shocking act, and we are liaising with Derry City and Strabane District Council."
A source said: "The vet team moved as quickly as possible to ease her suffering, but this dog died having been in agony and terror.
"The final moments of her life were spent in starvation, then fear and pain as she was beaten and buried alive. The people who did this walk the streets of this country."
The eyewitness reported seeing the two men leave the area having placed rocks on top of the shallow grave.
The dog was still alive when the witness lifted her out of the hole where she had been left.
Medics decided the most humane course of action was to put her to sleep.
A spokesperson from Pet FBI Rescue said: "We have no words for this so will stick to the facts in the hope information can be provided on the depraved scum that inflicted such immense pain, suffering and immeasurable cruelty in the hope justice can be served.
"She sustained brain damage, broken ribs and a collapsed lung to name a few of the horrific injuries inflicted.
"Someone knows who the [people responsible for her suffering] are. Please, please contact the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) directly or ourselves privately to forward on any information regarding their identities."
The PSNI confirmed officers in Derry received a report yesterday (Wednesday, March 15), of animal cruelty in relation to a dog who was found injured and partially buried in Ballyarnett Country Park.
PSNI Inspector Robb said: "Our appeal is to anyone who may have been in the Park yesterday and saw what happened, or anyone who knows who is responsible, to get in touch with us.
"It was also reported yesterday that two men were seen in the area at around the time the dog was found. One of the men is described as being approximately 5ft 10in tall, well-built and wore a distinctive camouflage hooded top with the hood pulled up.
"The second man is described as being of a similar height, of a slim build with black hair and wore a dark blue tracksuit. These men are believed to have left the Park, in the direction of Cornshell Fields. We would ask these men to get in touch with us."
The number to contact police in relation to this matter is 101, quoting reference number 1530 15/03/23. You can submit a report online via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.
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