Attacker slashes goat's throat.

A GOAT was found wandering along a canal towpath with blood pouring from a throat wound inflicted in an act of cruelty "beyond comprehension", the RSPCA said yesterday.

The goat - just a few weeks old - was discovered in Smethwick, Birmingham, by a member of the public on May 3 with a two inch slash across its neck and an illegally docked tail.

He was taken to the RSPCA's Birmingham Animal Hospital where the open wounds were stitched up and is now recovering at the charity's animal centre in Shropshire.

RSPCA staff - who have named the goat Branston Pickle - said the cut to his throat was sharp and clean, indicating that it had been deliberately inflicted with a knife.

RSPCA chief inspector Tim Scott said: "It is beyond my comprehension how someone could do this to an animal.

"His tail has not been docked properly and the large open wound on his neck was a deliberate act of cruelty.

"We must find out who inflicted such appalling suffering on Branston and I appeal to everyone living in Birmingham to please help us with our inquiries.

"Any information they may have, no matter how small, could provide us with a breakthrough in our investigation."