A FAMILY have been left "heartbroken" after their missing dog returned home with life threatening injuries following a suspected theft - and they believe she was used for badger baiting.
We reported how Daisy, a dachshund cross, disappeared from her home in Nevill Road, Hove, in late March.
Less than a day after our initial report, she was reunited with her family, who think she was returned by a thief.
But Andy Arlidge, Daisy’s owner, revealed the family pet had received “horrific” facial injuries and was “too weak to even move.”
He said: “When we saw Daisy that Tuesday morning, we can’t put it into words what a dreadful state she was in.
“It has affected the whole family and it has been a really traumatic time.”
Daisy was rushed to the vet where she received treatment for sepsis, and the family were informed that her injuries were consistent with an animal attack, most likely a badger.
Andy believes Daisy was stolen and used as a bait dog before being returned.
He said: “Yes she came back, but we don’t think that’s the half of it. She nearly died. It was in the balance."
“We can’t understand how she would have been able to get herself back in that state. How did she appear on the back doorstep like that?
“It smells and something doesn’t add up. She could barely move.
“We have heard and seen so many stories of dogs being taken for that purpose.
"Sick and warped people get some kind of kick out of watching a poor little dog like this getting injured.
“We suspect foul play.”
Daisy was referred to veterinary specialist for reconstructive facial surgery and has now undergone two operations to help heal the tear in her chin as well as damage to her upper lip and ears.
The poorly pooch is only able to exercise outdoors for ten minutes a day, has to be hand fed and can only drink water from a syringe.
Andy has asked anyone with any information about what may have happened to Daisy come forward so his family can proceess the events and move on.
He said: “There have been so many people who have been horrified by our story and want justice for her.
“We don’t know the horrors that she has been through and how she has made it, we don’t know.
“Daisy is such a fighter, and we feel that now it is our turn to make her better and do what we can for her.
“It would be amazing if we could find out who did this to her.”
Sussex Police confirmed that Daisy was reported missing on Sunday 21.
A spokeswoman said: "Anyone who has any information about the dog is asked to report online or ring 101 quoting Operation Collar."
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