Heartbreak for pensioner as beaten dog has to be put down

Ms Pelling, 65, of Warminster, was walking her beloved pet Benji along Arn View when a man came up behind them with a brown Staffordshire-type dog. It startled Benji, who began barking.

The man was carrying what Ms Pelling’s family believe was a blue ball thrower, which he used to hit Benji on his head.

Benji, who Ms Pelling had owned for five years since he was a puppy, was taken to Garston vets in Warminster suffering from burst blood vessels behind the eyes after the attack last Thursday.

His injuries left him blind and suffering extreme pain and shock.

Ms Pelling had no choice but to make the heartbreaking decision to have him put to sleep.

She was too upset to comment, but her daughter Beverley Dyer said: “Without any warning whatsoever this man hit Benji across the head with an item he was carrying.

“It is believed that it was a long blue ball thrower.

"My mother asked what he was doing and why he had hit her dog and he said ‘what am I supposed to do if your dog attacks mine?’.

“Benji hadn’t attacked anyone and just barked.

“I am absolutely horrified that this attack happened and even more so by a middle-aged man who clearly should have known better,” added Ms Dyer.

“Hitting anything with a solid item could cause serious injury. My mother, who lives alone, is absolutely distraught at having lost her best friend. Someone has to know who this man is, it’s outrageous.

“This isn’t about dogs being out of control, this is about a grown man hitting a small dog.”

A spokesman for Wiltshire Police said: “We would like to speak to a man in connection with this incident.

“He is described as white, aged between 50 and 60, about 5ft 9in and of skinny build. He was wearing a cap at the time, and often carries a dog ball thrower.

“Police patrols are taking place in the area and investigations continue.”

Anyone with information should call PCSO Lorraine Rice on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.