A beloved family dog has been killed during a burglary in Altona on Tuesday.
Tracy Kenwery returned to her Civic Parade home at 5pm to find her dog, Amigo, bleeding from the head in the backyard.
She had rescued the two-year-old bull Arab-great Dane cross as a three and a half month old puppy.
Ms Kenwery said Amigo had already had a hard life and had been beaten and starved before he was rescued.
“He was taken from a property that had fighting dogs,” she said.
“Amigo already had scars to his face and broken ears.
“He was very gentle and was becoming my companion dog.
“He was the most innocent and gentle giant.”
Ms Kenwery said she was only out for two hours from 3pm-5pm.
The back gate and garden shed had been opened but nothing was taken.
Amigo was found just near the back door – dead, beaten and bloodied.
Leading Senior Constable Natalie Dean said Amigo was likely killed defending the family home.
“It is believed offenders have gained entry to the rear yard by the side gate and may have been confronted by the dog,” she said.
“The family’s dog, a two-year-old bull Arab cross great Dane was assaulted, causing fatal injuries.
“The exact cause of the dog’s death is unknown and the investigation is ongoing.”
Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
