'What sort of person does that?' Dog attacked as thieves strike at Shropshire farm

Norman Phillips' Much Wenlock farm was one of a number of rural properties hit by thieves overnight on Monday, April 15

It is believed those responsible targeted at least six farms and houses, attempting to take quad bikes at several of them.

At Mr Phillips' farm they broke into an outbuilding, stole a horse-driving harness and equipment and attacked his faithful 12-year-old Patterdale Terrier, Gizmo.

The dog was sleeping near to the shed which was broken into.

He was injured in the attack but has thankfully recovered.

Disgusted

Mr Phillips said he was disgusted that those responsible for the theft had also attacked Gizmo.

He said the attack would also leave other farm owners worried about what may happen to their animals if they are targeted by the same gang.

He said: “He is a terrier so I think he will have barked at them, but it wasn’t enough to wake us, and they have kicked or hit him to make him be quiet.

"Luckily he was able to get away from the thieves who attacked him, otherwise it could have been a lot worse.

“As soon as I saw the shed had been broken into, I could see the dog was unable to walk properly and was in pain.

"He has been checked over and I think he will recover, but what sort of person does that?”

“It is upsetting that thieves seem to be targeting farms and rural properties, but I am really angry that they hurt my dog. Most farms have dogs that live on the yard, and now we need to worry that they will be attacked too.”

The items stolen from the farm included a set of Plas Equestrian pony driving harness and a set of red and black trade driving harness to fit a cob, with distinctive silver horseshoe shaped buckles.

The latest set of break-ins follows the theft of three quad bikes from separate addresses around Much Wenlock the week before.

Anyone with any information about the crimes is asked to contact police on 101.