A family in Wales has been left distraught after police exhumed their dog’s body and disposed of it in a wheelie bin. Antony Evans was shocked to discover that his brother James’ elderly dog, Flint, had been dug up by the police just hours after being peacefully buried in his favourite spot. The labrador was a beloved member of the family and had received a heartfelt send-off in a forest near Newtown, Wales, following his passing the previous month.
Antony, a 50-year-old resident of Newtown, Powys, was taken aback to find out that Flint had been unearthed by Dyfed-Powys Police based on a report of a man seen with a ‘large dumper bag’ and a spade in the woods, mistaken for burying a body. Despite Antony contacting the police to retrieve Flint, he was shocked to discover the dog lying ‘upside down in a wheelie bin’ when he went to collect him from the station. The family felt that the police had shown no respect for Flint or their emotions and are now requesting a formal apology from the authorities.
According to Dyfed-Powys Police, they had responded to concerns about a potential body burial in the woods, leading to the discovery of Flint wrapped in a bag. However, due to a lack of suitable storage facilities at the station, the dog was placed in a wheelie bin, which caused distress to the family. While the police apologised for any distress caused, Antony expressed disappointment in the handling of the situation, emphasizing the need for more sensitivity and respect towards the deceased dog and his family.
Flint had been a cherished companion to James, who shared a strong bond with the dog. James and Flint were inseparable, with the dog even being described as James’ best friend. The family recounted how Flint’s health had declined before his passing, prompting them to bury him in his favourite woodland area, where he had spent many happy moments with James. However, their peaceful farewell to Flint was disrupted by the police intervention, leading to a distressing ordeal for the family.
Antony expressed his dismay at the police’s actions, highlighting the need for a more compassionate approach in handling such sensitive situations. He stressed the importance of receiving a formal apology from the police as a gesture of respect towards Flint’s memory. The family is still reeling from the shock of finding their beloved dog treated in such a callous manner and hopes for a more empathetic response from the authorities in the future.