Helston Basset Hound puppy kicked Christmas lights switch-on

Joanna Wyatt who lives in the town says she has ended up with a £900 vet’s bill to get her pet Bob treated following the incident on November 24.

She told the Packet she was waiting for the lights to be switched outside BetFreds in Meneage Street whilst chatting to a "lovely" 81-year-old lady when Bob was attacked.

Bob is now recovering at home (Image: Family Handout)

She had been there for 35 minutes when just seconds before they were being switched on she said a woman with two children with her came up behind her and kicked Bob in the stomach.

“She kicked my dog in the stomach and screamed at me ‘Children should come first’,” said Joanna. “I was in such shock I picked up Bob and walked away. I was absolutely flabbergasted.”

“I was in total shock picked up my five month old puppy and left. I was so shocked and upset I missed the lights and went home.

“I met a lovely police officer on the way home who was very kind to me. I got home and cried, think through shock and anger. Such unnecessary behaviour on such a lovely evening.

"If she wanted that spot so much why didn't she get there earlier?”

Joanna had to take time off work to look after Bob (Image: Family handout)

At first she thought Bob wasn’t badly hurt but when he started passing blood she took him to the vets ending up with a £900 vet’s bill after Bob was diagnosed with a distended stomach and bruising and had to be put on painkillers. Joanne has also had to take time off work to look after him.

A statement issued to the Packet by Devon and Cornwall Police said: “Police are investigating an animal cruelty incident in Helston after a woman kicked and injured a dog in the street.

“The female owner was stood outside Betfred in Meneage Street when a woman walked past and kicked her dog in the stomach.

The incident happened during the switching on of Helston Christmas lights (Image: Dan West/File)

“The animal had to be taken to the vet for treatment for its injuries.

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“The incident happened between 7.15pm and 7.30pm on Friday 24 November.

“Police are investigating and asking for anyone who saw the incident to contact them.

“They are seeking a suspect who is described as white, in her late 20s to early 30s, around 5ft 5ins tall and of medium to large build. She had dark hair tied back and was wearing dark clothing. She had two children with her.”

Anyone who can assist with police enquiries is asked to contact police online or by telephone on 101, quoting crime reference 50230310585.