Cleckheaton man's dog found in river (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Cleckheaton man's dog found in river

9:09pm Monday 19th January 2009 in Search By Paddy McGuffin

Police are hunting a thug who stole and killed a pensioner’s dog.

The 12-year-old border collie, called Jess, had been tied up outside the Tesco store in Cleckheaton by her 77-year-old owner, Ronald Bisby, while he shopped.

While he was inside, a man in his 20s was caught on CCTV snatching the dog from its tether and running off with it.

He was caught on film running down Cheapside, across Bradford Road towards the Brook Street/St Peg Lane area.

Officers at Cleckheaton police station carried out extensive house-to-house inquiries in the area after the theft was reported.

The dog, which suffered from arthritis and had difficulty walking, was later discovered dead in a beck which runs alongside Mann Dam.

A vet was last night conducting a post-mortem examination to establish the exact cause of the dog’s death.

Speaking to the Telegraph & Argus, Mr Bisby said he could not understand why anyone would do such a thing.

He said: “We had Jess for donkey’s years, at least ten years, she was 12-year-old and a bit fat and couldn’t walk too well.

“I left her outside the shop like always and was only inside for ten minutes and when I came out she was gone. The police went searching and yesterday found her body in the beck.

“It’s been very traumatic. You come down in the morning and expect to see her in her basket but she’s not there. I’ve had to hide her toys, a rubber ball and a chew bone because it upsets my wife too much.

“I just don’t understand why anyone would do this. I can’t weigh it up. Everyone knew Jess, we’ve been walking through the town together for years. People have been coming up to me and saying how sorry they are.

“The police and Tesco’s have been brilliant. I just hope they catch who did this.”

PC Paul Wood, who is leading the investigation, condemned the thief’s cruelty.

He said: “Due to the location in which Jess was discovered it is believed that she did not get into the beck of her own will.

“Suffice to say that this is a case that tugs at the heartstrings and we would like to bring this suspect to justice for the crime he has committed.”

The suspect was described as white, approximately 5ft 9ins to 6ft tall, slim, with short brown cropped hair. He was wearing a dark thin jacket with a motif on the left chest area, a white T-shirt, blue jeans and white trainers.

Anyone with information about the theft, which occurred at 6.20pm last Thursday, should contact the Neighbourhood Policing Team at Cleckheaton on (01924) 295357 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

e-mail: paddy.mcguffin @telegraphandargus.co.uk