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A pet dog horrifically injured after being set on fire by youths is not out of the woods yet after round-the-clock care.
Codie has been receiving intensive care after being doused with lighter fuel and set alight on Sunday morning.
Her distraught owner Martin Agnew said everything is being done for the border collie in the hope she can recover from her severe burns.
The Maghaberry man said his family has been overwhelmed by messages of support from all over Northern Ireland since Codie was attacked by two youths, thought to be aged around 17.
A Facebook page called Justice for Cody (sic) has already attracted more than 36,000 supporters and a donation page toward vet bills, set up by Tara Purdy (21) from Banbridge, has raised £2,200-plus.
“What happened is disgusting. It worries me to think what they could do to a child,” said Tara.
Codie has been with a vet specialist in Co Antrim since the attack close to her home on Sunday.
Mr Agnew and his wife Natalie did not recognise her at first, such was the extent of the burns.
Her owner told the Belfast Telegraph Codie is in a lot of pain and “not out of the woods just yet”.
“The burns on her legs are so deep the vets are concerned about them becoming infected.”
Agnew family friend, rugby star Stephen Ferris, used his public profile earlier this week to appeal for help in catching those responsible for the cruel attack.
Mr Agnew said his family has been overwhelmed by the public’s support and has been particularly touched by the kindness of strangers such as Tara.
“It’s been unbelievable. Tara set up a donations page. She’s a complete stranger, but she’s doing this for us,” he said.
“We are so grateful for everyone’s support. It’s fantastic.”
Anyone with information about Sunday’s attack on Codie can contact the PSNI on 0845 600 8000.
People who hurt animals often go on to hurt humans
By Ben Williamson
This callous act must concern the entire community. Anyone capable of such extreme violence is indicative of a disturbed mind. Chances are, if this person is not caught now, he or she will repeat such violence against another animal, perhaps even a child, as this person’s confidence in getting away with such horrors grows.
Research into psychology and criminology indicates that people who hurt animals often go on to harm humans.
History shows incidents that have involved cruelty to animals regularly appear in the records of violent criminals.
Young killers Mary Bell, Robert Thompson and Jon Venables as well as serial murderers Ian Huntley, Fred West, Ian Brady and Raoul Moat all started out by harming animals.
Animals are the sort of easy targets bullies enjoy harming because they can’t fight back.
Ben Williamson from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals
