'My dog didn't deserve to be shot'

Ginger the spaniel in happier times. Her owner says she was loved by all the family

A man says he has been left heartbroken after his pet spaniel was found dead in a field, allegedly shot with an air rifle.

Police are investigating the incident, which happened in Owston Ferry, North Lincolnshire, on Monday.

Andrew Jennings discovered 18-month-old Ginger just 100ft (30m) from his stables after she went missing for a few minutes.

“I wasn’t sure what had happened to her because there were no marks on her," he said. "Then I picked her up and saw a hole in her side. I’m assuming it was an air gun that shot her."

Mr Jennings at his stables with one of his other dogs

"It was very distressing at the time," he added.

Ginger had been part of the Jennings family since birth and was particularly loved by Andrew’s six-year-old son.

Mr Jennings, who owns seven dogs, described Ginger as "clingy" and fond of cuddles.

“She was my son's dog. He loved her, and we all loved her.

“She lived on a farm, so she knew animals and wouldn’t worry them. She didn’t deserve to get shot at 18 months old.”

Ginger was used to farm life, Mr Jennings says

Humberside Police confirmed it was investigating the incident after "reports that a dog had allegedly been shot with a pellet gun".

A spokesperson said officers were called on Monday to "reports that a man had found the body of his dog in a field near his home address" shortly after 10:15 GMT.

Mr Jennings said a post-mortem examination would be conducted to confirm the cause of death and recover the pellet, which he hoped would help the police with their investigation.

He is appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

''How anyone could shoot an poor innocent animal?" he asked. "I'd like to try and find out who did it, why they did it.''

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