Yobs set puppy on fire on Liverpool field

The scene in Kirkdale where the young dog was killed

Thugs tied a young dog to a post and doused it in petrol before setting the terrified animal on fire.

The one-year-old female Staffordshire bull terrier's screams were heard by local residents who tried in vain to save it.

But the black and white pup's burns were so severe it had to be put down.

The horrific attack happened at around 8.20pm on Tuesday on the William Collins playing fields, off Stanley Road in Kirkdale.

The RSPCA were contacted and a pet ambulance was dispatched after a member of the public found the dog and dialled 999.

A micro-chip led officers to the dog's owners, who confirmed she had been missing for a number of days.

A spokesman for the RSPCA said: "This was a cowardly and cruel attack on a defenceless animal whose suffering was immense."

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the RSPCA in confidence on 0300 1234 999.

Comments about Yobs set puppy on fire on Liverpool field