ABC Home | Radio | Television | News | Your Local ABC | More Subjects… | Shop

Email

Invaders slash dog in front of owners

Posted June 4, 2008 07:26:00
Updated June 4, 2008 07:57:00

A maltese terrier was slashed repeatedly with a machete in front of a Sydney pair last night after three men forced their way into the duo's home and assaulted them.

Police say the men knocked on the door of the Airds home, in south-west Sydney, and forced their way in when a 56-year-old woman answered about 9:45pm (AEST).

The men allegedly grabbed the woman by the neck before demanding cash and punching her and a 60-year-old man in the face and bodies.

Police say the victims' two maltese terriers tried to protect them.

They say one of the men slashed one of the dogs several times with a machete, while the other two kicked the second dog repeatedly.

The three men allegedly rummaged through the house before running from the premises through the back door into Kevin Wheatley Reserve.

The victims were treated by ambulance officers at the scene while the dogs were treated by a veterinarian.

The dog that was slashed was euthanised, while the other dog was treated for internal injuries.

Police are searching for the offenders, who the victims said appeared to be Pacific Islanders.

The robbers are described as being about 185 centimetres tall, with solid builds.

One of them was wearing a black balaclava, while the other two were wearing grey hooded jackets.

Anyone with information that could help investigators is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Tags: law-crime-and-justice, crime, armed-robbery, australia, nsw, airds-2560, sydney-2000

Watch

Moon, Venus and Jupiter 'smiling' through the trees

Celestial happiness

Venus and Jupiter align with the moon to create a smiling face in the sky.

Opinion

Mumbai takes stock after terrorist attacks

Change of tactics

Other terrorist groups will now be studying the modus operandi of the Mumbai attacks.

Feature

A baby koala clings to its mother's back

GPS koalas

Phone-savvy science is tracking the breeding habits of koalas.