By Rupert Howell
Local law enforcement officials are looking into the possible death of an 11-year-old family pet labrador that may have been killed in its pen during the past weekend.

Longtime local automobile dealer Henry Heafner was out of town over the weekend and found his yellow lab’s pen empty when he returned Sunday.

According to both Sheriff Dennis Darby and Batesville Assistant Chief Don Province, there was a lot of blood in and around the pen. Darby feels sure the dog was killed in the pen and moved away.
Law enforcement wants the dog’s body for a “post  mortem” and Heafner wants the longtime pet back for burial.

“This is a felony,” Darby said and added, “Whoever did this doesn’t know the hurt they’ve caused.”
Darby asked for citizens to be on the lookout for a fresh killed dog in roadside ditches. The incident occurred sometime between Friday and Sunday afternoon. Those with information should call BPD at 563-5653 or S.O. at 563-6230.