By Tom Cowie and Liam Mannix
A rescue dog belonging to an elderly lady has died after a random attacker wrapped its entire head with duct tape in a shocking case of animal cruelty.
Police believe the offender attacked the black Staffordshire bull terrier cross in the backyard of a house on Abercarn Avenue in Craigieburn on Thursday.
The dog's entire head was wrapped in duct tape which caused it to suffocate, police said.
Detective Senior Constable Lee Barton said it was a despicable act of animal cruelty.
The dog killed by an attacker suffocated with duct tape.Credit:Victoria Police
"Toby was a nine-year-old rescue dog and described as very friendly in nature," he said.
"This incident has understandably caused the owner great distress and we would like to find the person responsible as soon as possible."
There had been no reports to the local council about the dog and police suspect it was the victim of a random attack.
"This is a terrible crime. The dog died in a very distressed way," detective sergeant Peter Griffiths from Hume CIU told reporters in Broadmeadows on Monday.
Police are hunting for an attacker who killed Toby the dog.Credit:Victoria Police
"It was a gentle dog, wouldn't hurt anyone. That's certainly why the offender or offenders were able to tie it up and tape its nostrils and mouth.
"The dog was a refugee from the Lort Smith Animal Hospital. The lady has had the dog for about five years. Unfortunately she became a widow recently and that was her pet and company and joy to continue her life with."
The property was fenced off, but backed onto a railway line.
Police are asking members of the public who might have seen someone acting suspiciously in the street on the night of the attack to contact police.
Anyone with any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.