Customers at a Shropshire pub whose pet goat was slaughtered in its field are clubbing together to offer a reward to catch his killers.

A group has also been set up on social networking site Facebook in a bid to get information about the death of Steve the billy goat, who was killed in his field opposite the Brewery Inn, Coalport.

The animal was one of several kept in a pet’s corner at the pub for customers and their children.

Steve’s killers cut through three fences to snatch him from his paddock between Sunday night and Monday morning.

Police believe he was killed and then the carcass was taken away by the attackers.

Landlord Roger Hotchkiss said regulars at the pub had been sickened by the attack and wanted to catch those responsible.

He said: “Everybody went to the paddock and talked and stroked them. The baby goat was born here five months ago.

“There have been women in here in tears when they found out, they just don’t know what to say.

“Customers and staff decided to put up a reward for information leading to a conviction because people were saying they would give £10 or £5. It’s currently £100 but I’m sure it will keep growing.”

The Facebook group features photos of Steve, his partner Maureen and their kid Baby GaGa, and people are also sharing their memories of the pets. The remaining animals have now been moved to a safe location.

Mr Hotchkiss is appealing for anyone with information about Steve’s killers to come forward.

“This reward is only for information leading to the conviction of the people who did this. If anyone knows anything, please come forward,” he added.

Denise Wakefield, a spokeswoman for Telford police, said: “It is apparent that the goat was killed. We believe that the people responsible would have had to use a vehicle to transport the body away from the scene.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 0300 333 3000 or the confidential Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.

By Jo Cunningham