A leading animal rights campaigner has urged Shoebury residents to help catch the killer of a puppy stabbed and left to die.

Andrew Tyler, director of Animal Aid, expressed his shock after the body of the cocker spaniel bitch was found on East Beach.

A large butcher's knife was discovered next to the dog and a criminal investigation has been launched by the RSPCA.

The animal welfare charity said the animal was stabbed repeatedly.

Mr Tyler, whose organisation is believed to be the largest animal rights group in the country, said: "This is a shocking and appalling attack and I would urge residents to report everything they know to the RSPCA."

If you have any information, call the RSPCA on 0870 5555 999.

Published Friday, January 17, 2003

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