The owner of Bruce, a much-loved Rottweiler found fatally stabbed near Kingshurst Brook in Chelmsley Wood, has spoken exclusively about the devastating events leading up to her pet’s death.
Bruce was discovered on 10 July with fatal stab wounds beneath a bridge on Bosworth Drive. The discovery was made by a nurse walking her own dog, who noticed blood spots under the bridge; her dog then led her to Bruce’s body.
West Midlands Police are assisting the RSPCA’s ongoing investigation, while animal rights group PETA has offered a £5,000 reward for any information about the incident.
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Recalling the heart-rending moments before Bruce’s disappearance, his owner described how he woke her during the night needing to be let out to urinate. After accidentally misplacing the back door key, she decided to let him out from the front door and guided him through the front gate, instructing him to wait. However, Bruce suddenly darted off, quickly running down the road towards the bridge, visible from the owner’s house.
“Bruce was so fast,” she said. “My front door was open, my children were still asleep, and I couldn’t chase after him.”
The owner expressed frustration over the handling of the investigation, concerned that the police initially deferred the case to the RSPCA and local council. “Surely anyone carrying a knife should be a police matter,” she said.
West Midlands Police have since confirmed they are supporting the investigations led by the RSPCA and the council.
RSPCA animal rescue officer Lydia Andrews has said it’s believed Bruce was killed elsewhere and his body was dumped beneath the bridge. “There was no blood found at the scene. We’re appealing for information about anyone seen in the area or where Bruce may have come from,” she said.
Bruce’s owner shared that RSPCA officers had visited her, assuring that those responsible would be found. However, she found their letter stating Bruce was likely killed away from the scene confusing, as she originally thought Bruce had been attacked at the bridge.
In a recent statement, the RSPCA reiterated their belief that Bruce was not killed where he was found, describing the incident as “extremely distressing” and urging anyone with information to come forward.
A West Midlands Police spokesperson added: “We are liaising closely with the RSPCA, supporting their enquiries and speaking with the dog’s owner to understand the circumstances. Anyone with information should contact us quoting log 4043 of 13 July.”
Members of the public with information are also encouraged to contact the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018, quoting reference 01852950.
This tragic case has deeply affected Bruce’s owner and highlights ongoing concerns about animal welfare and community safety in the area.