Puppy repeatedly stabbed by violent thugs in broad daylight in owner's arms

A one-year-old dog was stabbed three times by vicious dognappers with a knife - all whilst being held by his terrified owner. Sid the pug was out on his daily walk with owners, Luke Baker and Clare Durham, in Darenth Country Park, Dartford, Kent, when he was violently attacked on Thursday.

The couple spotted the trio of young thugs and Luke cautiously picked up Sid to protect him, but one of the crooks then pulled out a blade. The thug repeatedly plunged the knife into the defenceless dog's body before the three of them fled the scene.

Sign up to our TeamDogs newsletter for your weekly dose of dog news, pictures and stories.

Traumatised Clare said her beloved pooch almost died (Triangle News)

Poor Sid was immediately rushed to the vets where medics performed 10 stitches in his stab wounds to the neck and chest.

Whilst recovering at home, Sid began to have difficulty breathing so was taken back to the vets on Monday.

He had to be put on oxygen and was also given antibiotics.

Talking about her traumatic experience, Clare said: "Luke was walking my dog when three young boys approached him wanting to take the dog.

"Not only once but three times. Sid nearly died, thankfully it didn't go into his chest but he is so shaken up by it all.

The dognappers approached them in Darenth Country Park in Kent (Google Street View)

"It was broad daylight, you can't even walk your dog anymore without having any trouble."

Luke, 31, an Uber driver, added: "It's certainly not something you expect to happen when out in the park.

"It was horrendous and these guys need to be caught before they kill someone.

"We have to seriously think whether we want to move from here, if people aren't safe to walk around."

Police are now hunting the three men after the shocking attack and are urging witnesses with information to step forward.

Cops are now hunting the perpetrators and asking for information (Triangle News)

A Kent Police spokesperson said: "We have received a report of an attempted robbery at Darenth Country Park, Dartford, at around 1.30pm on Thursday, August 18.

"The victim said he was approached by three men who tried to steal his dog, one of whom was reported to have been in possession of a knife.

"During the incident the dog suffered injuries reported to have been caused by the knife.

"Enquiries into the incident are ongoing. Witnesses including anyone with video footage are urged to call."

Do you have a dog story to share? Email nia.dalton@reachplc.com.