Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Friday 11th April 2025 at 08:15hrs
Police in Hartlepool are urgently appealing for information following a horrific act of animal cruelty at an allotment on Thornhill Gardens.
Sometime between 6 pm on Wednesday, April 9th, and 9 am this morning, Thursday, April 10th, a perpetrator broke into the allotment and inflicted unimaginable suffering on defenseless animals.
In a truly sickening display, six chickens were found decapitated, their heads severed. Adding to the brutality, another chicken was discovered with one of its legs cut off.
Alongside the gruesome scene, investigators have reported that a CCTV camera, which may have captured crucial evidence, was stolen from the allotment. A 6-inch boning knife, believed to be the weapon used in the attacks, was also taken.
The Hartlepool Police are condemning this act of extreme cruelty and are urging anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious activity in the Thornhill Gardens area between Wednesday evening and Thursday morning to come forward immediately.
“This is a deeply disturbing incident, and we are committed to finding the person or people responsible for this appalling act of cruelty,” said a spokesperson for Hartlepool Police.
“The level of violence inflicted on these animals is shocking, and we understand the distress this will cause to the allotment holders and the wider community.”
Authorities are urging anyone with information, no matter how small it may seem, to contact them on 101, quoting the reference number SE25062828.
Alternatively, individuals can also provide information anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The investigation is currently underway, and police are exploring all possible lines of inquiry to bring the perpetrator(s) to justice for this heinous crime.
The community is asked to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior to the police.
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