BURGLARS killed a family pet dog during a raid on a house in Hampshire.

Police today appealed for information after the Border Collie called Red was fatally struck over the head.

The burglary happened at a house in Gilbert Street, Ropley, at sometime between 9.30pm on Thursday, November 22 and 8am the next morning.

The offenders went to the garage and forced open the doors. Red, aged one year, was in her kennel outside the garage and was hit with a heavy object causing fatal injuries.

The dog was found by a family member the following morning. She was taken to the vet where she was put down because of her injuries.

The offenders left empty handed.

PC Emma Purser, said: “The family are devastated by the loss of their much-loved family pet, Red. She had been bred by the owner and was expected to eventually be put to work on the family farm, herding sheep.

“The family are shocked and distressed by the callous and brutal attack on this defenceless creature, who was chained to her kennel outside the garage and posed no risk to the offenders.”

Anyone with any information should contact the Priority Crime Team at North Walls police station on 101 or call Crimestoppers, the charity, anonymously on 0800 555 111.