Police rule out charges over dog’s horror death

Police say no charges will be brought following a year-long investigation into the case which shocked animal lovers.

Staffordshire bull terrier Issac’s bloodied and charred body was found on waste ground in Sheffield last February after he had been stolen from a garden in the city.

A 28-year-old man was arrested in connection with the crime – but a South Yorkshire Police spokeswoman has now revealed no further action is to be taken.

“South Yorkshire Police can confirm no charges will be brought in connection with the death of the dog in Sheffield last year,” she said. “Officers conducted an extensive and thorough inquiry, including arresting a 28-year-old man, and have been in consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) over the past year.”

“Police would like to thank the public for their support throughout.”

Issac’s owner Andy McNamara, who lives in Birmingham, said he was shocked by the decision.

“To be honest I’m completely gobsmacked. It’s a crying shame,” he said. “The police officer explained to me the CPS weren’t prepared to take it to trial. I can’t blame the police, they’ve tried their hardest.”

Nine-year-old Issac was being looked after by a friend of Mr McNamara when he was stolen.

Following his death there was an outcry among animal lovers and dozens of people flocked to a candlelit vigil held in Issac’s memory.

Crimestoppers offered up to £1,000 for information and Mr McNamara and his supporters set up a petition calling for animal abusers to face harsher punishments.

He added: “Whoever did this to Issac would have faced six months in prison, up to a £2,000 fine and a five-year ban on keeping animals. We are still calling for longer jail terms for people who abuse and harm animals, and I would ask people who wants to do something to sign our petition.”

Sheffield councillor Helen Mirfin-Boukouris said: “I am saddened and deeply disappointed to hear no-one is to be prosecuted for this act of utter savagery.

“I would urge anyone who knows anything about who committed this crime to do the right thing and contact the police.”

No-one from the CPS was available for comment.

Log on to www.ipetitions.com/petition/justice-for-isacc/ to sign the petition.