TWENTY-FIVE

Friday 2 October

RIPTON GAZETTE

SECOND DOG DEATH

By Erin Mackie, Editor-in-Chief

In a shocking discovery, a second dog in as many weeks has been found dead in the pretty, desirable village of Ripton. The dog was found by local Caroline Smith, who was enjoying a run across the footpaths that cross Hilldale Farm to the west of the village. ‘It was horrible,’ said Mrs Smith. ‘I was out training for my marathon when I stumbled upon the poor creature.’

Mrs Smith reported the dog immediately to local vet Stephanie Prosser. Mrs Prosser came up to the farm to retrieve the animal. It had no collar but the pooch’s microchip identified it as belonging to a local Ripton family, who are devastated by their loss. Mrs Prosser, who performed a post-mortem, said all indications pointed to the dog having ‘died from poisoning’. Conker, as the dog was called, had been missing for two days and the owners had been frantic with worry. It’s the worst possible news for them.

With two animals now dead in what appear to be suspicious circumstances, this reporter asks: Do we have a Canine Killer on our hands?

3 October

RIPTON PRIMARY, YEAR 6

Lorna Fielding, Phoenix’s mum

Did you see the news? Sad about the dog. 11:12

Nicole Wilson, Bella’s mum

What, another one? Where was it found? 11:12

Lorna Fielding, Phoenix’s mum

Near the farm. Like the first one. 11:13

Nicole Wilson, Bella’s mum

Maybe one of them was responsible for the sheep deaths. Have you been taking your revenge, Hannah? Closed Eyes Laughing emoji 11:13

Hannah Chapman, Jakob’s mum

Is that supposed to be funny? 11:14

Imogen Wood, Rosie’s mum

I wonder what the poison is? 11:14

Lorna Fielding, Phoenix’s mum

You know there’s loads of blue-green algae down at Heron Water this year. It’s really poisonous to dogs. 11:16

Sarah Ramsay, Noah’s mum

Yeah, I’d seen it’s really bad. Especially near Willow Barn where Nancy lives. 11:17

Imogen Wood, Rosie’s mum

It’s only got bad since she’s moved in. 11:19

Erin Mackie, Tilly’s mum

What if the dog drank some of Nancy’s water and wandered up to the farm? 11:20

Hannah Chapman, Jakob’s mum

Nancy’s water? Are you mad? 11:21

Erin Mackie, Tilly’s mum

Just a turn of phrase. 11:21