Bristol: Reward Offered By Animal Welfare Charity

An animal welfare charity is offering a reward for information that helps police catch and convict a man who attacked a dog in Hartcliffe last month.

It follows an award, given by the charity PETA, to Good Samaritan Chris Wright who intervened to try to help a young greyhound which was being kicked and choked by its owner in Fulford Road, at about 2.30pm on Monday 7 April. 

The attacker then turned on Mr Wright, knocking the 25-year-old to the ground and breaking his jaw. 

A spokesman for the charity said: "PETA is offering a reward of up to £1,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a man who was seen kicking and choking a dog in Hartcliffe on April 7. 

"It is absolutely critical that this dog be taken out of the hands of this violent thug and that the man is apprehended and charged before he can hurt anyone else. 

''Animal abusers are a danger to everyone – they take their issues out on whoever is available to them, human or non-human.

''Mr Wright's actions earned him a Hero to Animals Award from PETA earlier this month. 

''Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the police via the 24-hour inquiry centre on 101.'' 

Investigating officer Det Con Alan Smith said: ''This is a violent individual who was not satisfied with causing unnecessary suffering to his dog but when asked to stop by a member of the public he reacted violently carried out an unprovoked assault.'' 

The offender is described as white, around 17 years old, about 6ft, of slim build, with short blond hair, about half an inch long. 

He was wearing a grey hooded tracksuit top and trousers and a grey Nike T-shirt with 'JUST DO IT' in a large font across the chest. The writing was a multi-coloured design in a graffiti effect. 

The dog the suspect was beating is described as looking like a black greyhound, taller than a Labrador. The dog did not have a collar on but had a black piece of rope around its neck. 

The suspect was in company with another man who is also believed to be around 17 years old, about 5ft 8ins, described as being of a chubby build. His hair came down to his shoulders. 

He was wearing a grey waterproof jacket and grey tracksuit trousers. 

If anyone witnessed the incident or knows who the offender is please call Det Con Alan Smith via the 24-hour Police Enquiry Centre on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.