Family pet ‘hit’ fears

By Paul Dunlop
THE brutal killing of a beloved pet dog has left a Pakenham family devastated and suspecting foul play.
Michael and Debbie Deeker were horrified to discover early on Sunday morning their daughter’s fox terrier dead, after what appeared to be an executionstyle killing.
The fiveyearold dog, affectionately known as Tom, was found by Mr Deeker near the railway lines behind the family’s Meeking Drive property with a deep wound to the back of its head.
“He had a punctured skull so he was hit with something very sharp and it was a very heavy blow,” Mr Deeker said.
“We’ve had a couple of cats run over and you expect that, but you certainly don’t expect something like this.”
The Deekers initially thought the dog had been shot, possibly from point blank range.
But a subsequent veterinary examination failed to find a bullet, leaving the family unsure how their cherished pet died.
Mr Deeker said it remained possible Tom was shot, but found it horrible to think somebody could be walking around Pakenham at night with a loaded rifle.
He said it appeared the dog had been taken to the railway line, as he never strayed far from home.
“We’re hopeful that he wasn’t shot, but however he died, you have to wonder who would do such a thing,” Mr Deeker said.
Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death and said the incident was being treated seriously.
Acting Senior Sergeant Phil Jury said that killing a dog, under any circumstances, was an extreme measure for somebody to take.
One of four dogs in the family, Tom was known to be a “bit yappy”, Mr Deeker said, but was very friendly and would not hurt a fly.
“It’s not like he was a threatening kind of dog. He was very affectionate. He was part of the family.”
Mr Deeker said daughter Darian was devastated by the incident.
Darian, 11, and her two brothers Blayde and Cade had put fliers around town soon after Tom went missing on Friday evening.
“They searched for him all day on Saturday and then I found the poor little fellow after I got home from work on Sunday,” he said.
Darian said she would miss her little canine companion.
She said Tom used to sleep on her bed and she walked him every morning before school.
“He was very friendly,” she said.
“He kept on copying dad.
“If dad sat in the chair and put his arm on the armrest, Tom would do the same. It’s sad to think he won’t be around.”
Anybody with any information is urged to contact Pakenham Police on 5941 1033.