Yorkshire terrier reportedly stabbed to death in 'distressing' incident

Police in Hull have arrested a woman after a Yorkshire terrier was reportedly stabbed to death on a housing estate.

The incident took place on the Orchard Park estate and a woman has been arrested in connection with the attack, according to Hull Live.

Humberside Police confirmed that they were aware of the incident but a spokesperson would not confirm to Yahoo News UK if there had been a prosecution.

Officers have passed the incident on to the RSPCA, which is now investigating.

A spokeswoman said: “The RSPCA received a report of a distressing incident involving a dog which was stabbed to death in Hull.

"We are now looking into this, however, we cannot discuss incidents about specific people and what action may have been taken.

"We understand how frustrating that is for animal lovers but releasing information could prejudice a future prosecution or could lead to us being fined.

“We are so grateful to people who report suspected animal suffering to us and we would like to reassure people we will always look into and, if necessary, investigate any complaints made to us about animal welfare.”

Yahoo News UK has contacted the RSPCA for further updates.

Tougher prison sentences were brought in last year which saw the maximum prison sentence for animal cruelty raised from six months to five years for the most serious cases.

The changes came into effect following a public consultation in 2017 which saw huge support for tougher measures against those who hurt animals.

As well as a prison sentence, offenders can also receive an unlimited fine and banned from owning pets.

Conservative Chris Loder, who introduced the bill, previously explained he was inspired to seek tougher punishments after a mistreated dog he found abandoned by a road became his family’s treasured pet.