Dog found bludgeoned to death on Kent beach

A dog that appears to have been bludgeoned to death has been found on a beach in Kent. The bloodied animal was discovered by a dog walker under the arches on Sunny Sands beach, Folkestone, earlier. It is believed the one-year-old dog was dragged to the back of the arch after being killed. RSPCA chief Inspector Steve Dockery described it as "outrageous cruelty" and urged anyone with information about the incident to call Kent Police. The dog is believed to either be a cross-bred Staffordshire bull terrier or an English bull terrier.

'Painful and terrifying' Shepway District Council dog warden Karyl Rimmer, who was called to the scene after the dog was discovered, said: "She had terrible head wounds and her teeth were shattered. "From the blood marks on the floor of the arches she had obviously been dragged to the back of the arch after being killed. "Maybe whoever did this was hoping the tide would come in and wash the body away. She added: "I have been a dog warden for five years and this is the worst thing I have ever seen. "If people didn't want this dog why didn't they take her to the vet to be painlessly put to sleep? "She must have died a painful and terrifying death." Kent police are investigating the incident.

Family's urine bid to locate dog

A family who tried to lure back a lost dog by leaving a trail of their urine on streets near their home have been criticised by the city council.

The Baltesz family, of Clifton, Bristol, lost their 10-year-old pet labrador Simon on the night of 4 July.

When Simon failed to return, the family chose their unorthodox method.

A Bristol City Council spokeswoman said: "We would not consider this to be a good idea from an environmental health point of view."

Louise Baltesz, 43, said the whole family had been "chipping in" to help lay down the scent trail.

She said she was aware of criticism aimed at the family, but they were willing to do anything to get Simon back.

'Very diluted'

"There are people who are upset about it, but I'm too emotionally drained to think about it," she said. "I'm worried about it - I really am.

"If everyone peed in the street it would be disgusting, wouldn't it? But it's very, very diluted."

Mrs Baltesz said the idea for the scent trail came from a website which offered a range of advice to owners of missing dogs.

She said: "I do feel mad doing it, but I'm driven to desperate measures.

"Apparently it's quite a normal way of doing it. You just put a little bit in a bottle and then top it up with water.

"You put some smelly food down, they come towards the food and then catch the scent [of the urine]. You only have to do it once. We've left two trails."

'Owner's scent'

The family have put up "missing" posters and have received several possible sightings of Simon, who is described as "not very approachable" and naturally timid.

But a vet at a nearby practice was less than optimistic the plan would succeed.

Ian Wills, from the nearby Zetland Veterinary Hospital in Bristol, said: "I think it's an interesting idea but I would be pleasantly surprised if it worked.

"When a dog wanders off from home they will generally wander back when they have had enough.

"If the dog was going to follow the owner's scent it would be from something they wore, like a jumper. Unless they have an incontinence problem."

A Bristol City Council spokeswoman said it was unlikely the authority would take any action against the family.

'Different dog'

Ms James, from Plymouth, said an unhealthy diet and lack of exercise caused the dog's weight to soar.

"The whole family is thrilled Keano has won Pet Fit Club," she said.

"He's like a different dog, he has so much more energy and seems to enjoy life a lot more."

Sean Wensley, a senior veterinary surgeon for the PDSA said it was owners' responsibility to ensure their pets received a healthy diet and the correct exercise.

"Keano and his owner are living proof that this can be done," he said.