Our children have grown up and he was our baby, he was lovely and he followed me around everywhere

Margaret Bennett

The five-month-old puppy had been missing for two weeks when the note was pushed through the couple's door.

The police have appealed for public help to track down those responsible for the "despicable crime".

The Bennetts said they are finding it difficult to come to terms with the attack on their West Highland Terrier, Bengi.

Mrs Bennett said she felt devastated: "We'd only had Bengi since last November and he was just five-months-old.

"Our children have grown up and he was our baby, he was lovely and he followed me round everywhere."

Mr and Mrs Bennett had no idea where he was until a note was pushed through the door.

Grim discovery

They returned home from shopping and found a letter from someone who said that they had some fun with their dog.

They could have him back but they would find him in their pond, the letter said.

The Bennetts said they did not believe it and thought someone was having a sick joke at their expense.

However, the couple later found the dog's body.

Police were called in and a post mortem examination showed that he had not drowned but had been strangled.

There must be something wrong with whoever has done this

Owner Ken Bennett

The Bennetts have no idea who could have killed their dog.

They said they do not have a lot to do with people in the village, but they have no enemies and regard Gwernymynydd as a quiet and friendly little place.

Mr Bennett, who was in Portugal at the time Bengi went missing, said: "He was a very friendly little dog, very playful.

"The whole family loved him.

Despicable crime

"There must be something wrong with whoever has done this."

North Wales Police have confirmed they are investigating the "particularly despicable crime".

Officers have appealed for public help to track down those responsible.