Police in Kostanai are investigating the death of a dog found with knife wounds in an apartment. Witnesses called in an animal rights activist, who then contacted law enforcement, the website infohub.kz reports.
According to the Astana television channel, volunteers said the owner refused to let them into the apartment even though the animal was bleeding heavily. They were able to take the pet only after police arrived — the dog was taken to a veterinary clinic but could not be saved.
Animal rights activist Anastasia Serikova learned from witnesses about a pit bull in need of help. The animal, bleeding heavily, was in an apartment in a building in the Klub Stroitelei district, and she went there.
Anastasia said she asked the owner to hand over the dog if it was still alive, but the woman refused to cooperate, used obscene language and made threats. The activist then decided to call the police.
"At around 2 a.m., the owner of this apartment opened the door and handed over the dog. The dog was, of course, in a very critical condition — I believe they were puncture wounds, knife wounds like these; it was covered in blood. We took it right away and drove it to the clinic, where it died. Basically, judging by what we saw, I think quite a lot of time had passed," Anastasia Serikova said.
Investigators must establish who inflicted the fatal wounds on the dog and for what purpose. Police commented on the incident.
"A person possibly involved has been identified and brought to the police. The necessary investigative measures are currently under way. All circumstances of the incident are being established. A procedural decision will be made based on the results of the investigation," said Yekaterina Rabtsun, senior inspector for special assignments at the information policy department of the Kostanai Region Police Department.
It is reported that a criminal case has been opened over the animal cruelty.