Dogsey

A much-loved pet dog choked to death on his own tongue in a sickening attack committed by someone attending a party at his owner's home in Newcastle, the RSPCA has said.

Herbie, a four-year-old Yorkshire terrier cross, was discovered in the back garden of his home in Lemington at around 8pm on Halloween.

His owner, who does not want to speak about the incident, had kept the dog upstairs during the 18th birthday party, but Herbie had got downstairs and into the garden.

RSPCA inspector Jaqui Miller said: "I have never seen such a brutal attack on a dog in my whole 10-year career.

"Herbie's muzzle was shattered in numerous places.

"It would seem that the right side of his lower jaw has been twisted over to the other side, pinning his tongue and causing him to choke to death.

"The owner is understandably distraught and desperate for answers to what happened to her beloved pet.

The owners had Herbie since he was a puppy and have two other dogs.

Ms Miller said: "This was a truly horrendous incident which no doubt caused enormous suffering to Herbie.

"He was covered in blood and the person who did this must have been too.

"It seems inconceivable to me that no-one at this party knows who they are."