Walk organised by Milton Keynes group remembers dog fatally shot

The group gathered dog-owners from across the region to remember an Akita dog which was killed in Luton in July.

The animal, was found stabbed in the woods off Hilltop Court in Luton and left overnight.

The following evening it is thought the dog , named Zeus, was then shot three times.

A post-mortem examination found Zeus had numerous stab wounds and gunshot wounds.

An RSPCA spokeswoman said: “We have been able to ascertain that the dog was named Zeus and was around five years old. His body was found half-buried in the woods with his legs tied together.

“We have managed to piece together Zeus’s last moments from witnesses who heard what is described as ‘a commotion’, cheering and gunshots from the woods on the evenings in question - however, we have not been able to find out who was responsible for this senseless act.

“Zeus would have been terrified, and would have been in pain and suffering for 24 hours after he was stabbed and before he was shot.

“This is a very distressing incident which will no doubt horrify people, particularly those who live nearby.

“We are urging anyone who knows anything at all to contact us on 0300 123 8018 and leave a message for Inspector Bailey 13180.

“Any information given to us will be completely confidential and we do not want anyone to feel fearful about reporting anything to us.”

Organisers of the rememberance walk offered ribbons for owners and dogs to wear in a homage to Zeus.

Owners of any breed of dog were welcome at the event.