IT IS one of the worst cases of animal cruelty ever seen in York.

Storm, an eight-month-old German Shepherd puppy, was left for dead after being stabbed repeatedly in a sickening attack on Sunday night.

She was found bleeding to death in an Acomb garden and rushed to Minster Vets. Had she been brought in a few minutes later, she may not have survived, vet Peter Crossan said. He could see her ribs and muscles through one wound in her chest.

Shocked RSPCA inspector Hannah Bryer said that although Storm was traumatised, she would eventually recover physically. "But mentally, I don't know how she will stand up. Whoever has done it has tried to kill that poor dog."

The way we treat the sick, the vulnerable, the helpless and animals is the mark of any civilised society. And there was nothing remotely civilised about what was done to Storm. It was an evil, vicious and utterly callous attack on a trusting pet.

Whoever did this is sick and potentially dangerous. On this occasion a young pet suffered from their sadistic and uncontrolled anger. Who is to say it might not be a person next time?

Somebody must know something. The RSPCA will lead the search for this criminal. We would urge anyone who has any information to come forward.

If, out of mistaken loyalty, such a potential witness is tempted to hesitate, take a look at the eyes of the haunted animal in our pictures today.

Then make that call.