The owners of a goat slaughtered in a vicious attack have appealed for help to find the killers.

Steve, the billy goat, was killed in a paddock opposite the Brewery Inn, Coalport.

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

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

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

He has now urged witnesses to come forward and help the police with enquiries.

He said: “Posters have already been put up the area offering a reward to anyone who can help us catch the killers.

“We are very pleased with the amount of support we have been getting and we hope these posters and the reward will help to track down the killers.

“We’ve recently had £25 sent to us from a man we don’t even know, who wants to help.

“We’re just hoping that this will all lead to finding those who are responsible.”

He said a group had also been set up on social networking website Facebook in a bid to get information.

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

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