Police appeal for information following injuries to a dog in Alfreton

Police are appealing for information after a dog in Alfreton was severely injured by an elastic band placed around its throat.

Tru, a Jack Russell belonging to Maria Thompson of Alfreton, had a red elastic band placed around her throat, which cut into her fur and flesh causing a deep wound.

It is thought that that the elastic band was placed around Tru's throat sometime between Wednesday 13th and Friday, 15th January and that the offender would have had to enter the back garden of Maria Thompson's home to have reached the dog.

Maria Thompson said: "Tru actually belongs to my daughter, Jade, and the whole family has been very upset and hurt by what has happened.

"Tru is still suffering with the injury which, as well as the open wound, caused bruising to the trachea and has meant that she can't wear a collar and has difficulty eating. She has also suffered a number of small fits as a result of the nerve damage in the area.

"As well as asking people to come forward with information, I would like to ask anyone who sees an elastic band on the floor to pick it up and dispose of it carefully."

PC Stacy Hurt of the Alfreton Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team added: "We do not know whether the elastic band was placed on Tru's neck to intentionally hurt her or as someone messing around and not realising the consequences, but we would like to hear from anyone with information relating to this incident.

"If anyone saw anything suspicious in the Alfreton area between the 13th or 15th January, or if anyone else has found an elastic band on their pet, please contact us as soon as possible."

You can contact Derbyshire Constabulary about this incident on 0345 123 33 33, quoting crime number 2412/10.

To report a crime or pass information to the police anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.