Oxenhope farmer quizzed as dogs found dead (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)
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Simon Tidswell, of Trough Lane, arrested and bailed after animals' bodies discovered
9:00am Wednesday 13th March 2013 in News
By Chris Young, T&A Reporter
Zoe Kerr with her remaining dog, Dave
A farmer has been arrested after the bodies of two runaway dogs were found on his property by police.
The owner of the dogs, Zoe Kerr, 36, spoke of her heartbreak after her pets were found dead on the Oxenhope farm a day after going missing.
The two dogs – a German Shepherd cross called Frank and a Husky cross called Macy – escaped from Miss Kerr’s car and ran out of sight after she drove them to Oxenhope moors on Sunday afternoon, with her third dog, seven-month-old Dave.
Despite searching until sunset, Mrs Kerr was unable to find the dogs and began asking round the area as well as searching with friends.
She told police that, in the evening, she was told the two dogs had been found and handed to a local farmer. She contacted police the next day and it is understood they found the bodies of the two dogs.
Farmer Simon Tidswell, of Trough Lane, has since been arrested and released on bail.
Miss Kerr said police informed her yesterday of the discovery.
The dogs’ bodies are currently in the possession of the RSPCA.
Miss Kerr said: “I’m used to living in the countryside. If they would have caused any harm while they were loose I would have taken full responsibility, I would have paid for any damage.”
A spokesman from West Yorkshire Police said: “A man has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage. He has been released on bail.
“The bodies of the dogs have been seized by the RSPCA pending further investigation.”
Twelve months ago Frank was taken from Mrs Kerr’s home on Back River Street, Haworth, during a burglary. She was reunited with him five months later, when he was anonymously handed back to the police.
She said: “Now I have lost him for good. He was my baby. The dogs weren’t even two.
“I haven’t been able to sleep since I heard the news. My four-year-old daughter can’t understand what is going on. I’ve been crying for 24 hours since I found out.”
No-one appeared to be at home when the Telegraph & Argus visited the farm yesterday.
e-mail: chris.young@telegraphandargus.co.uk
