Rachel Phillips, of Newby, owned the elderly white goat which was killed on Saturday morning.

The animal was found with a large deep slit through its throat and there was blood and white hair all over the yard in Seamer Road where it was kept.

The RSPCA and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs are investigating the death and are convinced a dog was responsible due to the type of wounds left on the goat.

They also believe people were out hunting in the early hours of Saturday as a fox was also found dead just outside the field.

Mrs Phillips, who owned the goat for more than two years, said: "I am very upset and I am also very angry. The dog must have killed the fox and then wanted more.

"I thought hunting with dogs was banned. The killing of my goat and the fox just goes to show it still goes on."

The incident comes after two pet rabbits and a cat were killed by dogs in the Eastfield area.

The RSPCA inspector for Scarborough, Geoff Edmond, said: "Obviously this dog was out of control and it is sad that the goat had to die in this way.

"The animal was rehomed by the RSPCA which is a great concern. We will be speaking to the police as it seems that more and more animals are being attacked by dogs in this brutal way."

The RSPCA are appealing for witnesses to the attack on Saturday night.
Anyone with information should contact the RSPCA national cruelty helpline on 08705555999.