By Rob Cooper


Battered and weary, this dog was rescued after 40 hours buried underground by his heartless owner.

Neighbours helped dig Jerry the Brittany spaniel out from below two-feet of earth and bricks in Delsenzano, Italy, after hearing his whimpering.

Police say the owner piled layer upon layer of earth on top of the dog to make sure he could not dig his way out.

Dug out: Jerry the Brittany spaniel is rescued after almost two days underground in Delsenzano, Italy


Neighbours dialled 999 and he was rescued by experts who rushed him to an animal rescue centre where he has been recovering.

One rescuer said: 'It was sickening to see such a lovely animal abused in such a cruel way. His owner admitted he'd buried him there the day before but couldn't say why.'

The owner has apparently claimed he thought the animal was already dead and he was simply getting rid of the remains. However, he has been accused of cruelty.

'His owner is to be charged with deliberate animal cruelty and if convicted will lose the right to own a pet again,' said a prosecutor's office spokesman.


Rescued: Neighbours raised the alarm after hearing the dog whimpering from underneath two feet of bricks and rubble


Left for dead: The owner claimed that he thought the animal had already died when he buried him. However, he has been charged with animal cruelty


source:dailymail