The horrific injuries thugs cause to the ears of Norman the greyhound

A GREYHOUND who had his ears hacked off by ‘scum’ to hide his identity has been taken to the hearts of animal lovers in Northern Ireland.

Traumatised Norman underwent surgery to the horrific injuries he sustained at the hands of mindless thugs.

On Saturday, Norman arrived at the Mid Antrim Animal Sanctuary for some rest and recuperation.

The sanctuary has been flooded with messages of love and support for Norman.

George Anderson of the sanctuary said: “He will be going into the isolation area until his injuries heal and to give him time to settle as he is quite stressed after his terrible ordeal.

“I understand that many people will want to see him but I would ask all you wonderful people who have shown so much compassion to understand that he will need time to recuperate.

“A huge thank you to everyone who has shown such compassion for Norman.

“Thank you from everyone at Mid Antrim Animal Sanctuary and we will keep you all up-dated on his progress.”

Police in Newtownabbey have appealed for information following the sickening attack on Norman.

Officers were horrified to discover a greyhound dog had its ears cut off.

The PSNI received a call out shortly before 8pm on Monday, June 24 to the scene of a dog in distress on the Ballycraigy Road.

When they arrived officers discovered a former racing greyhound had been abandoned.

But to their horror they noticed its ears had been hacked off to remove the birth and registration tattoos that allow greyhounds to be traced.

The traumatised animal was taken by police to Farmhill Vets in Carrick where it was treated for its injuries.

Mid Antrim Animal Sanctuary chair George Anderson described the dog’s injuries as “absolutely horrendous.”

The former racing greyhound Norman who was found with his ears hacked off in Newtownabbey

“I wouldn’t even call the people who did this animals – an animal wouldn’t be so cruel. They are the scum of the earth as far as I’m concerned,” he said.

Mr Anderson said that when the dog’s injuries have healed the sanctuary will try to find him a new home.

Police officers investigating the incident have appealed for anyone with information to contact them urgently on 0845 600 8000.