Owner Heartbroken After Pet Spaniel Found Shot; Police Investigate

Andrew Jennings has expressed his heartbreak following the discovery of his pet spaniel, Ginger, deceased in a field. The 18-month-old dog was reportedly shot with an air rifle. The incident, which occurred on Monday in Owston Ferry, North Lincolnshire, is currently under investigation by the police. Mr. Jennings found Ginger approximately 100ft (30m) from his stables shortly after she had gone missing for a brief period. “I wasn’t sure what had happened to her because there were no marks on her,” Mr. Jennings stated. “Then I picked her up and saw a hole in her side. I’m assuming it was an air gun that shot her.” He further described the experience as “very distressing at the time.” Ginger had been a member of the Jennings family since her birth and was especially cherished by Andrew’s six-year-old son. Mr. Jennings, who owns a total of seven dogs, characterized Ginger as “clingy” and affectionate. He remarked, “She was my son’s dog. He loved her, and we all loved her.” He also added, “She lived on a farm, so she knew animals and wouldn’t worry them. She didn’t deserve to get shot at 18 months old.” Humberside Police confirmed their investigation into the matter, following “reports that a dog had allegedly been shot with a pellet gun.” A police spokesperson indicated that officers responded on Monday to “reports that a man had found the body of his dog in a field near his home address” shortly after 10:15 GMT. Mr. Jennings stated that a post-mortem examination would be performed to ascertain the exact cause of death and retrieve the pellet, which he hopes will assist the police investigation. He is urging anyone with relevant information to come forward. He questioned, “How anyone could shoot an poor innocent animal?” and expressed his desire: “I’d like to try and find out who did it, why they did it.”