An online campaign to find a missing Williamstown dog has ended with sad news, but the owners have decided to keep their dog’s Facebook page alive to help other pet owners.
A Facebook page called “Help find Lilly” was created after a 20-month-old staffordshire terrier disappeared from Russell Place on May 1.
It has attracted more than 1360 “likes”, with the number growing daily.
Lilly was found dead in the Williamstown area at the weekend.
Owner Matt Savidan said the circumstances did not look suspicious.
He said he had been “completely over- whelmed” by the reaction on social media, with people from Brunswick to Caulfield searching for Lilly.
He has decided to redirect Lilly’s support network on Facebook to help others in need. The Help Find Lilly page will post photos and information about other missing animals.
“Although our journey has come to an end, there are hundreds of people’s beloved pets still missing,” the page states.
Hobsons Bay police have dismissed social media reports of dogs being stolen from an area ranging from Altona Meadows to Werribee by a dog-fighting ring. Fears were heightened after a black staffordshire terrier and maltese shih-tzu cross were baited and stolen from a Werribee home on March 27. It is believed the dogs may have been killed by the bait. Their bodies were later found.
Police are also investigating after meat embedded with fish hooks was found at Newport Lakes Park on April 27.
Information to Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000.
